Climbing

As I climbed a mountain
With a treacherous and uncertain path
I found too few rocks of interest,
I found too few flowers of scent
I was exposed to the day and night
I was aware of birds and critters 
That passed me during exertion.
I knew of others on the climb
Those that led, sometimes made a path
Sometimes made me stumble with loosen stones
As I did for those that followed me.
I felt big and successful nearing the top
For then I slowed, noticing for the first time
That the world had many mountains
In a distance I could see
And the stars were close and bright
And there were rivers and lakes 
And so much more I’d never known
And then I knew I was small
But happy to know  that I was