The Ridge Still Rises

I climb hills
still yearning
for something beyond the ridge.

Sun rises slowly.
Warmth like a moth
drawn to my flickering.
I keep climbing through the pain.

Finding my breath in each step forward.
Morning light creeps over the hills.
A new day unfolds.

I rise with it.
Still reaching for what's ahead.
The unknown calls.
I answer slowly,
one step at a time.

The hill stretches before me still.
I climb on.
My shadow keeping pace,
a loyal companion
on this endless ascent.

--Vera