Escarpment of Granite

Escarpment of Granite

©2012, Olan L. Smith

I crane my neck and gaze in every nook of her granite facade;

My fingers touch every fracture; inside is both firm and yielding;

Stronghearted yet impressionable ― she is a portico hoisted for my scrutiny,

Not to deceive but to utter, “Come hither.”  A chimera of emotion,

What is proffered is not to dissuade; but a challenge to surmount.

I drive another piton in hardened rock, climb up one step; ropes are secure.

My mind wanders how such a mighty escarpment came to be

Upon lush forest ground, hidden by a forest of doubt

Such beauty of spirit and so proud, yet clandestine

Not in a wasteland but a rich land filled with words.

A language familiar, filled with love and beauty

Still the hardened face demands “Climb!

Master!  Know me for I stand for those who desire

Know me, use me; conquer this precipice and scan

From horizon to horizon, for all you view is yours.”