The Steep Ascent

The ascent to Noon Peak
rose sharper than
our expectations
moss cushioning the granite
white/pink mountain clover
stippling the rising swell
tree roots writhing in agony
gripping our climbing feet
as we emulate mountain goats
then finally stop to rest
lungs sharing the thin air
energy radiating from us
as though we are
heavenly bodies
heat coursing palpably off
wracked limbs
as though they would
kindle the windfallen trees
cluttering the mountain sides
catching fire to wooded slopes
ourselves the centre
of a glorious blaze.

Originally published in Early Harvest, 1980