a poem in my pocket

sixty-one years young,

he feels lean, fit and

needs mountain to climb;

wants to test stamina on

tough colorado 14er, even

if summit proves stronger.

silence any fear of lion or bear,

concentrate on challenge of

altitude, rock scale, exposure.

drawn from flatland stress

toward heights of serenity,

he packs gear for one, solo

climb yet won’t be alone;

God descends mountain and

i will long for him at the peak.