These Northern Winds

The strong winds push me closer to the ground as I start ascending.

My left cheek is cut open by the sharp cliffs, yet my neck is not bending.

“Is this all you can do, is this all the wrath that you can unleash?”

The winds used to wrap me up, now they choke on their own leash.

And they swore I could climb these hills with the right inspirations,

They second guessed my every argument, called it childish hesitation.

As I am putting one foot in front of the other, I feel it in my bones –

These Northern winds only loved me when I was scared and alone.

They are out of rat runs to hide in, they must pin me to the ground,

The coldness of their breath hunts me down like a wild hound,

And the honed breezes try to knock me over at each turn I take.

I am weak, but I cannot wait for them to burn me at the stake.

The rugged path ahead puts my bruised limbs on autopilot,

My feet rush through the stiff branches as the rain becomes violent.

And my boots sink into the muddy surface, yet I pick up the pace.

As soon as I reach the summit, the sky clears, but it cannot save face.

-JW