The Climb
Raising our heads upwards, a light rests atop
Golden warmth fills your plexus at the sight.
A treacherous behemoth lies between you and its divinity
You scrape your claws against the stone, desperately trying to get a grip
Nails sink into a crevice; hoist yourself, one limb at a time.
The higher the altitude, the more violent the winds whip your being
Vultures circle at this height, gnawing at your flesh
Remember, one limb at a time.
Fingers throbbing, legs ridden with crimson gashes
Your foot loses hold of the groove, you see below
Clouds mask the faces of men
Brooding silhouettes.
In search of leverage
Nothing remains for your foot
The wind sweeps your foot, dangling above the clouds now
Two hands.
Beneath you, the faces of men grow clearer, envy in their eyes
Ribcages pressed against a thin layer of skin
Chills run down your spine, carrying into your veins
Blistering numbness.
Pulling your head up
Squinting
Its fiery rays incinerate doubt!
Muscles stretch, and tear, reaching higher.
A new altitude.
Darkness consumes this layer
Reliant on the senses
Men pull at your feet, jagged rocks are hurled at your spine, they dig their claws into your face and sink their teeth into your ankles.
Tears streaming, piercing roars, lips quivering, spirit suffering.
The thought of the light fuels the inferno within.
Rise again
One limb at a time
Undistracted by their darkness
Focused on the light
You climb until bone is exposed
Until nothing remains
Then it’ll make itself present
When darkness subsides, light drowns over you.
It’s here.
You stand.
Engulfed.
Unextinguishable.
What awaits those who go toward the finish, undistracted by darkness?
Hold your head high and climb, you’ll see.
