The Climb

Clicking, careful, cautious clunks; he ascends Unnerved, unthinking, unforgiving steps Driving motive close; happiness abreast Approaching peak; the mountain of success At last, step, pull, lift; he reaches the top Straightened back, chin up; the pose of triumph He contently exclaims to the people “Oh, cruel mountain, I am now your master” Descent ensues ascent, and he returns To find the base thus colder than the peak Hollow words greet him to their warm envy Oh, mountain, you cruel opener of eyes