Stones

High on the mountain flank
a cold mist paints sky and earth
the same icy gray.
Still, something urges us on
as we trudge wet, unyielding rocks
in search of a promised peak
from which, today,
nothing will be seen.
We would be lost altogether
but for the stone cairns
marking an unseen trail.
We ever climb for summits,
we who live in lowlands,
and we would be failed, fallen creatures,
uncertain of our steps,
robbed of even a little glimpse of glory,
except for our cairns:
the stones left
by those better climbers
who have gone before us.
"Come on, higher," they say.
"The view is beautiful.
Step well. Stay together.
You will be fine."

--Timothy Haut, March 13, 2016