Only the feel of boot on earth remains

Leaden legs stagger ragged, uneven steps

The mountain knows the measure of your heart

Only the feel of boot on earth remains

Yesterday’s strength is a mocking memory

All else is stripped away and the soul laid bare

No longer climbing but falling upwards

Leaden legs stagger, ragged, uneven steps

Catching yourself with trembling limbs

Exaultant in breathless exhaustion

On the highest point, beyond body’s bounds

The mountain knows the measure of your heart

Copyright Gordon A. MacIntyre, March 2008