Up a steep mountain

 The last hard steps on the long walk uphill 

start at a village on the lowest slope, 

on a rough road that leads towards my hope.

Each pace I take is driven by pure will

yet without fear, for when I reach the crest

what I shall see is the place I know best.

This course begins when I am half burnt-out,

exhausted but with many miles ahead 

for my tired feet. Not knowing if some dread

might yet await, or whether with glad shout

at wanderer’s return I will be met.

No matter what, my destination’s set.

If I had done what I should have known best

would have led forward, then the coming climb

would not have happened till a better time 

and this would not be a most urgent quest 

in hope with happy greeting I’d be met.

No matter what, my destination’s set.

I had no thought when starting up the hill

except to wonder how much I could take

of a hard journey. Still the end at stake

was worth the task I now had to fulfill.

The walk begins, I have no time to fret.

No matter what, my destination’s set.

I’ve no idea who said this was a road,

a stony track glaring in the harsh light 

of angry sun. No one had greater right

To be afraid, so that is now my goad

to make the climb with no thought of regret.

No matter what, my destination’s set.

I have no money so I cannot stop,

and absolutely I may not delay,

nor take a single detour on the way,

not even at a most convenient shop

just halfway up. I cannot tarry yet.

No matter what, my destination’s set.

Here now the junction, a road that I know well

from years of walking, in the time before 

I knew what line of fortune was in store,

and whether I’d reach heaven or some hell

at the far end, but no time for that bet.

No matter what, my destination’s set.

At the last turn I’m greeted with the view 

of my old home. Then one short walk downhill,

with great refreshment of my starting will,

and I’ll have done with what I had to do.

I don’t yet know in what way I’ll be met:

No matter what, my destination’s set.

But, tired and dejected, from the crest 

I see my home, and know I shall have rest.