Sunlight broke, and the trees fell from view,

As I lifted my feet up and over the verdant ridge.

Left then right, I felt the altitude around my ears.

The pressure left my mind and middle Tennessee was a painting.

–

Surrounded on all side,

And a mind vacant of life’s lows and highs.

I was a pure river stream.

I am a master of steel and steam.

Like my fathers before me.

–

The scholars scoffed and raised their glasses,

Perusing my actions like characters from their classes,

Drank me in, turned me over,

And gave every step a deeper meaning,

But I hiked still higher.

–