everywhere but here

one step at a time
upward, upward
with occasion to pause
between each reach for the next
and the one before and beside

do take a rest to ponder
at the elevation still to be attained
the connection to the first and the last
the pits and ruts, litter and debris
left behind by less frequent travelers

but don't stay too long
else the moss will grow
with tendrils that will drag you back
a time or two steps ago
convincing you to mind and mend the ruts
lest they trip you down
as they've always seem to do
for those looking everywhere but here

cha oz
06 06 13