By Choice

The rocks slip under my feet.
The dirt and dust billows, irritates, and chokes.

I choose to keep walking.

Climbing and climbing, up and up;
This is a trail very few have tread.

I'm panting, perspiring,
my legs are aching.

Scratches, scars, and scabs;
No one said this was easy.

And I knew.

That shock of red in a colourless world.
A voice that booms to shatter all silence.

It's not easy

to keep this up.
I'm still tired and afraid,
still alone, still pained,

but I climb and I climb,
up, up, and up.

One day I'll reach the top,
but right now it all remains
unconquered.

- SJM -