The Climb

She was told to climb the mountain

     An intimidating aspiration

     To conquer His marvelous creation

Seen from the bottom there was nothing but clouds

     The distance to the summit boundless

     The request unreasonable and groundless

No words could be spoken, not a single thought voiced

     Submitting outwardly, she began to walk

     Suffering, sweltering, yearning to talk

Frustration trapped in her parched mouth, she struggled with every step

     But slowly the complaints eased and faded

     As she moved forward alone and unaided

The echoes of silence consumed all her thoughts

     The wonder of being alone in her mind

     Of searching within herself and removing her blind

Nature's tranquility brought calm to her heart

     Her thoughts turned to the path she was treading

     Where she had been and to where she was heading

As she approached her goal, tears filled her eyes

     In awe of the freedom she felt in her soul

     The recognition of her true self, of taking control

Her last few steps were taken with wonderment

     Leaving behind her faults and imperfections

     The ecstasy of the moment bringing clarity to her reflections

She understood that life is not about fleeting trials or achievements

     For all these things will come and pass with the ebb and flow of time

     But rather, detaching from self and drawing closer to Him 

     Is the true and wondrous purpose of this never-ending climb

This is a poem I wrote in Jan-2011 but never published. I tweaked it a little, but it seems appropriate now for many reasons. It was inspired by a story from a friend's blog - http://sahbarohani.blogspot.co.il/2007/02/greatness.html.


Picture from google search - http://jakartaexpat.biz/travel/climbing-mt-merapi-no-jumping-pictures-please/