I saw a shining mountain, in the distance on bright day,
It looked a fortress mighty, and seemed to beckon and say...

Come, try to climb my canyoned walls, a task for you indeed.
The challenge of a lifetime, but you may suffer and bleed.

With no forethought, I scrambled down the hillside, green and quiet,
I thought to myself, If I hurried I could reach that mountain by night.

The road grew dark as I journeyed on, my heart was light, though I was alone.
As dawn had broken and morning rays streamed, the mountain had vanished, as if in a dream.

Saddened, I turned my back, for the long journey home,
I turned to look once more, then stood there alone.

Understanding came to me, of the vision, I know I saw,
The lofty peak in the distance, wasn't a mountain after all.

The mountain was life, itself a task,
Trials I was to face, was the questions asked.

The formidable walls and canyons so steep,
Were the promises and goals I wanted to keep.

The challenge to climb was not just desire, only the courage I need to acquire.
For many like me, who toil and work, turn to a great task and small ones we shirk.

But Life, like the mountain, is still there, success and accomplishment for those who dare,
To climb the gorges, the canyons, and walls....
The challenge and victory, still beckons and calls...

by Tom Stratton