Ascend

How fragile are the paths that wind
into the hidden way,
how tenuous the ties that bind
tomorrow and today.

Thick mists choked his sight.
Blinded by fog on freezing foothills,
from fear he took no step.
How to avoid the precipice, the fall
(so far!)
into the abyss?
What light could guide his sightless eyes?

Will he ever see sunlight again?

What dream of beauty could inspire
enough to make a move?
Why purify yourself in fire,
what is it you must prove?

Parting veils reveal in
violet sunset splendor
the silent rising peak.
He weeps to see it is
more distant
than yesterday. How far,
how long, how hopeless, how hopeful.

Is there no end to climbing?

A mournful air assaults his ears,
and silently he listens
to centuries undimmed by years,
and how his eyes they glisten!

Why lust so after heights?
Do you feel yourself low?
Why would you be above the earth?
Do you love to gaze on valleys?
Why strive to be a hero?
Do you sense yourself a fool?

How distant is the mountaintop...