A torn banner fluttered in the wind
As I climbed those ancient steps
That were carved long ago
Into the side of the mountain

The forests and flowers
Were just beginning to bud
The scent of earth and spring
Filled the flowing air

The closer to the top I got
The older the staircase looked
As if it was built down from the top
And not up from the bottom

I took the last step and was hit
By the rising sun in the east
It was warm and especially welcome
On such a brisk spring morning

As my eyes adjusted to the light
I saw a strange sight in the sky
It looked like giant tears
Hanging from the thick clouds

As I focused
I realized it was a city
Dangling from the heavens
And sparkling in the sunlight

I was perplexed
Until I looked down the *****
Past the mountains and the sun
Into an endless pool of stars