The Ascent

The click and climb, a steady sound,

lifting us from solid ground.

Higher now, the world below

shrinks to a distant, painted show.

My stomach tightens, a knot of fear,

as the peak is drawing near.

The wind whips past, a sudden chill,

and everything goes deathly still.

This is the pause, the held-in breath,

balanced on the edge of death.

Or just the drop, the sudden flight,

before the speed, before the light.