On a Hike

I feel the rocks shifting 

under my feet as I step

up the incline

and past the trees. 

I can just barely see the ledge

that leads right to the top.

But I blink my eyes

and as I look around,

it’s like no progress

has been made. 

I’m no more near the top

than I was a decade ago.

Dark and heavy clouds 

roll into the sky

and rain pours down

melting the path of footprints

that leads to where I’m standing. 

A muddy mess takes over

what was once the only sign

that I have made it 

anywhere at all.