The Mountain

The peak reaches an impressive height

An altitude of nearly 20 thousand feet

There’s snow above the tree line

Where avalanches are very possible

Within the valleys below

The foothills found on three sides

They are immersed in shades of green

There’s a forest of conifers

Mainly a collection of pine and spruce

Covering the consistent changes in elevation

There is a shepherd tending their herd

About two hundred in all

The pastures are lined with stonewalls

On occasion, a chorus of sheep sounds

Echoes throughout this particular valley

The shepherd seems in a hurry

He’s herding the flock toward a nearby barn

Because in the distance

Flashes of lightning are visible

<>

Halfway up the slope

There’s a rock climber

Who’s dressed in tight-fit clothing

Half blaze orange

Half hot pink

She’s alone on this slope

The exception being an occasional goat

Several meters above her

A bolt of lightning strikes the slope

Sharp rocks drop towards her

She manages to dodge this volley of death

Unfortunately, new challenges have emerged

A steady rain soaks her to the skin

She must head for shelter

To her fortune

There’s a cave nearby

But her electronic device is useless

She’s unable to detect a signal

Unable to contact the outside world

A rock climber’s worst nightmare

One hand hold at a time

She continues to ascend the slope

As she has for the past two days

Fortunately

A helicopter has entered this particular valley

There’s a searchlight scanning the vicinity

Someone is looking for her

Wondering if she’s alright

She grabs a two-way radio

A last resort measure

And flashes a light from the cave entrance

With both devices in hand

She guides the whirlybird to her location

A bag of supplies is dropped by parachute

Landing on a nearby ledge

Which then the helicopter flies away

Leaving this female climber to her devices

She unpacks the supplies and organizes them

< >

Before she sleeps on this night

She tells herself the following:

‘I will continue the climb once the storm passes’

‘I can’t give up since I’ve come this far’

‘I’ve spent the last 15 years preparing for this moment’

‘I cannot quit while I’m on top’

‘I must keeping going’

‘I must rest while I can’

‘This mountain may try to stop me’

‘No matter the difficulties’

‘I shall persevere’

‘No matter how long it takes to reach that peak’