Closer

So far now, So far now,
From the tents below
Beyond the tiny point
Of no return
A bridge collapses behind
A rock falls past in silence
To leave the sound of breathing
Breathing in, Breathing Out,
Where are we taking we ?
With our new lungs and limbs
Where are we taking we ?
In this matrix of opportunity
What keeps us going ?
Save the spiritual rope between us
What keeps us going ?
Save the thrill of tomorrow
And looking out on a new sky
And pausing to drink in our laughter and say our prayers
Before commiting ourselves again
To find our highest selves in this changing world

(This poem uses the metaphor of mountaineering to explore a journey of personal development. The 'tents below' represent the starting point of the journey. The 'collapsing bridge' means that there is now no way back. The traveller is left transfixed, frightened yet exhilarated by the possibility of going further. The poem shifts from the 'I' to the 'we' as the traveller recognises that he/she is not alone. There are other travellers on the mountain side and in that realisation can be found strength, excitement, laughter and the shared will to move on another step.)