Mountaineer

If I were a mountaineer,

crossing streams of water clear,

babblings brooks and antlered deer,

whistling birds and squirrels I’d hear,

if I were a mountaineer.

Summer showers, thunderstorms,

in the wood by fire warm,

nursing my new mind just born.

If I were a mountaineer,

close I’d hold the mountains dear,

every valley, every cave,

high ridge lines, the views I’d crave,

if I were a mountaineer.

Horizons ever moving back,

my teeth grown strong from nuts to crack,

open pastures, cairn stacks.

If I were a mountaineer,

roaming predators, would I fear?

Teeth and jaws made just for me,

claws for climbing any tree,

if I were a mountaineer.

My legs turned trunks and fingers branched,

my spine, it’d bare an avalanche,

working hard on Gaia’s ranch.

If I were a mountaineer,

my knots would hold a thousand years,

bobcat sly and vultures leer,

tough as timber, shed no tears,

if I were a mountaineer.

I’d lose all sense of time and space,

moving slowly, snailing pace,

every moment, I’d win my race.

If I were a mountaineer,

I’d be alone on ciffs so sheer,

my feet long bare, they’ve turned to hands,

the goats they’d call me “monkey man”,

if I were a mountaineer.

I’d plant a tree and walk away,

and hope we’d meet again some day,

planning playgrounds here to stay.

If I were a mountaineer,

I’d sense the smell of carcus near,

maggots turning, organs beer,

like my voice, it’d disappear,

if I were a mountianeer.

I’d forage fungi, collect seed,

I’ve nothing else, no book to read,

watch Helios, his trusted steed.

If I were a mountaineer,

my beard grow longer every year,

my nails I’d bite and save for snacks,

or leave them long for picking thatch,

if I were a mountaineer.

I’d fall asleep by Atlas’ sky,

expanding wide in dreams I’d fly,

the stars, they’d twinkle, in my eye.

If I were a mountaineer,

one day should a town appear,

will I go or will I sneer?

Will I move on, pioneer?

if I were a mountaineer?

–

For P.N.C.