by Willard Simms

Created on: August 03, 2008   Last Updated: January 22, 2009

TO CLIMB ALONE

For Alexandra Pallad

I saw a well worn trail, the ground all smooth, it led to a mountain top.

As I climbed it grew more steep and thin, and then it finally stopped.

I looked behind, along the way were scattered shards of dreams

Lifeless fragments of hopeful images, not at all what they'd seemed.

Ahead lay fields of boulders, bone breaking skin cutting swords.

How many before, took the easy trail, thinking it the best way forward?

Only to turn and leave no tracks up, following their fear back down.

Had I made my own trail, alone, would I now stand on the highest ground?

Going down the slope what I thought were drops of dew, I see are only tears

Left behind by those who faltered at the trails difficulty and gave in to fears.

As I find my way back through the maze of hazards that surround me here

I know the path I chose was not the right one to lead me through my fear.

Trust is won, not from somewhere high above, but deep within the soul.

If I'd forced myself to gaze hard within, might I have reached my goal?

Before I begin my next climb, I'll look at the heights, but also peer inside

Knowing the best trail for me, may be one that's never before been tried.

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