The Expedition

The terrain is harsh
within and without,
unmapped mindscapes,
the trenches and peaks
not once surmounted, virgin
still holding their perilous 
secrets and scares.

We prepare and pack
for this treacherous journey
knowing not what will 
save or take a life
hoping it all be plenty
and also be light.

Trust is needed. 
So is courage. 
And perhaps the faith 
that we have enough 
of both to last 
till we last on this quest.

We look ahead at the finish 
as wide as the horizon
our inner compass, 
intuitive presence
and mindful steps
will let us wander, 
get lost enough, 
get found
before the end.

So we pack more patience
than water, more hunger
than food, and make 
unknowing our sherpa
and thrill our map
and we say to each other- 
death is certain,
so let us begin in earnest.

Photo by Sander Crombach on Unsplash