The Mountain

BY CAROLE NICHOLS

Seems I've been walking now such a long time,
Eyes fixed on the mountain so far away;
I'm tired and discouraged, and very alone,
There's no where to rest, no place to pray.

There's been no end to this journey,
I've been buffeted by storms and winds;
Yet, I must not stop, for the mountain looms,
And a sweet light of hope, to me, it sends.

I've crossed the desert in the heat of day,
Consumed by the fire and unquinchable thirst;
I've longed to give up, lie down and die,
It's been a learning journey at it's worst.

I've stumbled in the night, bitter and cold,
The howling coyote forcing me ever on;
Were I to stop now, he'd devour my soul,
All I carry inside would be forever gone.

I've been walking and walking, and Lord, I'm tired,
The longer I travel, the more distant it seems;
But I won't give up, for it means so much,
I need to reach my mountain of dreams.