mud between our toes

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i left her at the base of the mountain
as i raced up
climbing
focused

there was sweat
it was worth it
right?

there were clear blue skies
and beauty at the summit

and yet, i was lonely
not for others
but for myself

the journey down was dark and treacherous
she was waiting for me in the mud
where we sat for a while
in silence

dampness all around

we learnt to stand again
the sludge falling from our body
memories
of yesteryear

the dirt between our toes
a reminder of where we had been
as we worshipped
the pause
over the climb
the second time around