Travelled By

–Robert L. Temple
february 7. 2000

As we approach the mountains
at first view
it is as if they rise straight up
a kingly wall
no train can chug that climb
no engine has a power
to disregard that change

closer closer that great wall
now stretches out
flattens as we stream
a hammered confidence
beneath our wheels

spiked to a ground
we cannot leave
the ground itself will rise
to meet our need

a givenness
geography holds firm
we will get on
self-shattered barriers
of granite loft us
if we ride