I climb these hills as if walking on air
body too light to fall
bamboo staff resting against a great stone
torn cloak snapping in the wind
a lone bird soars the azure depths
far distant springs reflected in its eye
carefree, singing a timeless song
gone – on a journey without end
- Shih-shu, written in roughly 1703.
Granite echoes waves of the wind.
An invitation to climb,
where no one has traveled.
Clouds move
past elephant and tiger bodies
to ramble and search
beyond the mind's limitation.
During the days I hiked to all high points in Yosemite, dwelling in the valley too long did not appeal. I needed the climb.
On the way to the highest ridges, nature provided lupine, lizards, and squirrels during the trek in long, expanses of flat terrain. Stellar jays cavorted.
The climb to the next summit beckoned as my heart raced to the changes in elevation.
An airplane's view looking down at peaks does not satisfy without the effort to arrive there. Growth occurs during the upward ascent in mind and spirit. The body gains strength from each acceleration.
The challenges and vistas along the way nurture the adventure. Hidden spaces and valleys emerge at each chosen turn. A feeling of not knowing moves one beyond the fear of being lost when discovering streams and ponds that explode with wildlife.
Scents of pine and twitters enhance the experience of a mind's journey.
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