I had not hoped, or thought,
to find that destination,
that broken patch of gravel
where the trees give way.

For as long as I had walked
with head bent low to the hill
and feet scrambling hard and fast
against the crumbling ground

I gave no thought to destinations
or places where the pathway ends.

And now, the long-followed trail
has ended, ceased where the forest
parts like a milling crowd
at the passing of a king's grim retinue.

And though the mountains up and up,
ascend with Titan shoulders naked
to the forceful blue, the path
has ceased to follow.

But as I climbed
I gave no thought to destinations
or places where the pathway ends.