heart slamming against my chest

breathing hard

inhaling the scent of mud

navigating rocks and drop offs

winding switchbacks going forward and backward

music pounding in my ears

feeling the sun on my face and the breeze on my body

seeing fresh greens and whites and purples

I am learning to tolerate discomfort

while making space for pleasure

I grow weary of the world

Sad and tired

The drama of conflict, big and small, 

washes over me

I duck and wait to come up for air.

I want to feel the sunshine, 

inhale the scent of fresh sage 

and wonder at the shades of green 

springing to life around me 

without being required to follow anyone's rules

Or meet their expectations.

I want to know you, 

not what you think you know or what you believe,

I want to know how the dirt feels under your feet, 

What you hear in the wind

How your heart feels after the climb

And how far you can see from here