The Climb

Recovery is like climbing a mountain, they say

And at the foot of mine I feel small and scared,

A steep, rocky slope, where I can't see the top.

In this shadowy valley I’ve been hiding for too long,

Too scared to take the first step,

And leave behind the dark place I call home.

But the longer I stay, the steeper my mountain becomes

The rocks grow sharper, more jagged,

And life on the other side is bright and exciting.

So I take my first step 

And I am already halfway there, they say.

To climb this mighty mountain,

I need leagues of strength and motivation,

To keep me steady through the violent winds

Trying desperately to sway me off course.

And sometimes my foot slips, on a loose pebble

And I feel my heart catch as I start to slide

Down the rocky slope, 

Gathering speed and losing control,

Spiraling back down to the shadows below.

But I never fall all the way down,

And every slip and retraced tracks only make my legs stronger,

My balance sharper.

So that the next loose rock in my path

Only causes me to stumble, instead of fall

And with every step I take,

The altitude fills my lungs with healthier air

And the closer I am to the sun.

Even on the stormiest of days,

When it feels as though my strength has run out,

And at any moment my legs might give, 

I lean on my support ropes

And parents, friends, siblings keep me safe on the mountain,

Because nobody journeys alone.

And when I do reach the summit,

And I know I will,

The world on the other side will be all the more bright,

Will welcome me with a warm embrace,

And I will have far more 

Than my own two legs to thank.