Mountain´s High

standing side by side
eyes gazing forward
thought they´d reach a mountain´s high
flying up this mountain
covering miles by day
many more lies by moonlight
despite setbacks they climb higher
pain assuaged by the pinnacle
sparkling as a gem

the glory of the challenge abates
clear pure air help them soar
scenery redolent of a richness only dreamed of
a biodome to cultivate the spirit
majestic mountain gleams with dew
air spiked with roses and thistles
wind ruffles feathers marring fine lines

the eagle wends his way up the mountain
steps taken in meticulous precision
a march of the soul ever onward not always upward
hesitant to risk a misstep
he alights on a sturdy branch eyeing his cave with regret
for a moment his gaze shifts
head turns to peer over his shoulder in the haze
to a mountain fogged in mist

abandoned now despite his best efforts
shadows flicker in the depths of his soul
surveying this territory he sighs
his kin he nestles closer under his wing
the Blue Heron taken flight through storms
lightening illumed her path
over canyons filled with rushing water
tumbling over boulders in her path
determined and triumphant she soared atop
with family granting her an eagle´s strength

she alights in the meadow and retreats to her bower
taking stock soaking up the rejuvenating light
precious ground has been lost on this mountain
more has been gained despite priorities, responsibilities, duties

faith and time and love has made eyesight keener
the journey is hard, the climb has been rough
a safe haven must be sought
the eagle nods to her, takes to wing
they fly wing tip to wing tip
up here the air is thin
with mutual understanding they set their sights

lower down the mountain where the air is richer
they breathe deeply
here we can nourish our souls
renew the life force
a plateau emerges from the dimness
a place free from rock falls

it is in this place where we may determine our next course
here there are nooks and crannies where fledglings may learn to fly
it is here we can set them free to pursue their destiny
liberating us to find ours