The Way Up

Recently I got a chance to visit the High Tatras of Slovakia. The place was so breathtaking and tranquil and I couldn't help writing a poem about the walk up to the peak.

My legs were numb,
But I kept pushing forward.
Cause there was a lot in store
on top of the Tatra mountains.

I walked until my legs gave up,
passing the springs and the
flowers waiting to bloom,
and the bushes and berries that colored the mountains.

I walked until I was dead.
Until the world below disappeared
behind the thick veil of the cotton clouds
that spanned to the distant horizons.

It was tranquil! Only the howling wind
echoing off the gigantic mountains.
The world seemed so distant
and I was on top of it.

I saw the deep valleys,
a small spring running weak among.
Snow capped peaks peeping above
the lake of white clouds.

The blue skies merging with the
landscape below, somewhere.
The grey hills, so distant
drawing the contours of the terrain below.

My legs were dead.
But to feel on top of the world,
that's one sacrifice to make.
And there's a lot to see,
a lot to try, a lot to feel-
everywhere my legs can take me!

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Thank you for read requesting. Since I don't see you in my newsfeed, I am forgetful & don't remember to look up new writing people are posting. This is a great poem. Your photo is literally breathtaking and your poem measures up to that level of stunning. I did much hiking in my younger days & you describe something I always felt when I was in a spot like this -- the way all your cares & worries & all the noise of society is a tiny dot down below, meaningless, gone from one's consciousness, while being up there. Some writers describe scenery well, but don't inject it with the way the scene makes the writer feel, which you've done powerfully & that's what makes your poem. I also like that you complain about the pain of walking . . . many of my journals are filled with physical complaints, not just glowing descriptions of the beautiful places I conquered! *smile* Fondly, Margie

[The ArK]

Thank you, Margie. In fact, I haven't been active in writerscafe for a while. That's why you were not seeing me around. It's always a pleasure to read your review!

[Anjali]

Your writing reminded me of the trekking I went with my hubby earlier this year BC (Before Corona- pun intended!) Though I was exhausted, the feeling and memories were amazing.

[Pragati Chaudhary]

You write so well..........
thankyou for this Piece!

[Thepensiveplayer]

Absolutely wonderful! Your experience certainly developed your mind and your body. I'm glad things turned out the way they did for you. Its interesting how our bodies and minds can take us to a place of greater appreciation for life itself. This is inspiring.

[Esther]

A really expressive poem .

[Leslie Philibert]

Fine poem that excellently captures the visual input you received, well written !

[Onlyme]

A nice reality check of a trek taken with beautiful sights and views you had, as well as the physical pain of walking. It made me smile and enjoy the company being with you on this write.

[Weeping willow]

Beautifully expressed, could see the climb and the images were clear as the words flowed so delightfully together ;-]

[The ArK]

Thanks for the review!

[Wild Rose]

I was there with you walking our local fells > Walking along a ridge - valet to both sides > Standing on Fleetwith Pike looking down the valley from the old slate miners hut; To see the three lakes: Buttermere, Crummock Water, Loweswater, to the open sea

[The ArK]

Nothing can replace the feeling of leaving the busy world below. Truly enjoyed the walk. Thanks for the comment. :-)

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

As the y say no pain, no gain. Nothing is more worth sacrificing the body than being able to explore nature.
What a stunning poem you wrote.

[The ArK]

Thank you for the comment. :-)