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When the Mountain Says No

Posted on January 30, 2023October 21, 2025
When the mountain says no,
today is not your turn,
how do you respond?

Do you bow your head
and turn for another day,
or keep pressing on?

Perhaps you've been lucky
to acquire belief
that you can always ascend.

Or, maybe, luckier still,
you've fallen at times,
and nodding, descend.

Thumping your way down,
away from heart's content,
you follow the river.

I've been there myself,
the water's hush and hold
helping me forgive her.

Exchanging words, I've confessed,
it was easier
to just pass on through.

Flowing down and around
the rocks and branches,
until I'm split in two.

But today, I thought, no. No!
I am not a river
with nothing else to seek.

I am a mountain.
A mountain!
And it is to the mountains I wish to speak.

— ❧ —

Poetry From the Mountains

This poem was inspired by a climb I was on when I suddenly felt invigorated beyond normal strength and energy, despite having a formidable mountain to deal with. The physical climb brought to mind things I’ve battled in everyday life, and I found myself ready to take up arms again.

For more poetry inspired by nature and the mountains, head over to In Verse. Hope you enjoy!

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4000s by 40 3D Cover

Love the mountains? 4000s by 40 is a story of missteps, hard-earned lessons, and the mountains that shape us.
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