Almost there,

almost to the place l never reach,

almost as high as I can climb

and lift this stone.

I see the crest--

then look down at my feet,

my sweaty arms and chest

and think how it will feel

when I am there at last

where I have never been before.

How will it feel to know

I’ve beaten all the odds—

to lift my arms in triumph

and know the Gods

aren’t laughing at me now--

now that I have defeated them,

now that I am smiling up at you,

dear stars.

Oh, stone,—

don’t fall from me again

like yesterday and the day before.

I’m trying hard to not be grim

despite how damned I am.

Oh, stone—

I want to hold your weight.

I want to carry you where I can breathe

ecstatic air

and kiss my bloody knuckles,

wipe my dusty lips,

feel my hair

blowing like a flag

when I look out at all there is to see.

Oh, stone—

with every step I long to see the light

and know again

what it was like to smell the ocean’s salt

as I got near.

Oh stone—

Don’t fall away again.

Don’t make me turn

to follow you toward darkness.

Oh, stone—

I’m almost there.