The Climb

I tread grudgingly up the winding trail. It unfolds in front of me like a writhing serpent, never ending twists and turns leading to the top. I grip a smooth rock in my right hand and in my left I carry the sack. Gray mist cloaks the valley below in a thick flannel blanket, making it impossible to see the city nestled into the crook between the mountains. I squint my eyes, willing myself to see the outlines of the crumbling buildings that I know should be there, but it's no use. Memories of a past life surge through me and I walk faster to clear them away. Still, they tug at the periphery of my mind and I break into a run. Maybe if I direct all of my energy into my body I can get out of my head.