Photo, © Chris Bartholomew
CLIMB
by Michael Hanson, ©
2006
Upon
a mountain path I paused
mid helpless base and wizened peak
to realize I had no cause,
nor brave crusade, nor mighty feat.
And glancing down upon this trail
I saw no tolls or rough blockades
no dreams composing brilliant tales
a simply traveled gentle way.
Then looking up I shed a tear
and pondered my remaining climb
and lurking unexpected fears
and dark detours comprising time.
And in that naked moment bowed
upon this hike so poorly spent
I made this frank yet humble vow
to conquer harsher grand ascents
THE END
Michael Hanson, a transplanted
New Yorker, lives in New Jersey and enjoys writing poetry, short
stories, and the occasional essay. His most recent work has appeared in the
Whortleberry Press anthologies "Livewire" and "Best of AstoundingTales.com,"
and the latest print issue of Paradox Magazine. His creation, the shared-world
anthology "Sha'Daa: Tales of the Apocalypse" is due to hit bookstore shelves
in 2006.