nexus of pain
journey of waters
webs of betrayal
nature's lost self
meandering rivers
indigo lakes
translucent streams
pylons of pines
climb the rocky staircase
pinnacles snag the grooming sky
light ascends recedes stalls
in layers of deepest black
from the moon winds batter
castles of wayward kingdoms
domains of reason & will
empty stretches of desire
step lightly your boots will soak
much to do merely to survive
art brooks no compromise
paintings end where canvas bends
if mountains are spirit their climbers
must mime the density of matter
better to grasp the burro's tail
than to pack out your gear alone