As I lie here and wonder of the challenges still to come, I think of how far I’ve climbed this mountain, of the battles I’ve won.

I remember the time when I looked up to Base Camp and saw how steep was my climb, it made me realise this challenge was mine, and only mine.

And with each and every step, my throat grew more painful, damaged by my own living breath.

The sleepless nights that were chalked off the score, each and every one brought another struggle, more pain with the dawn of the next day. But that’s all ok, one more step closer to the prize is all I can do, to me, there’s nothing more certain that’s my destiny regardless if I’m feeling happy or blue.

But today seems different somehow, it’s as though I have reached a plateau new, this mountain is no longer as steep as the one I once knew.

My journey ahead seems less daunting, the mist has now risen and I see more clearly the steps I must tread. And there lies the danger, for this battle is far from over, no sir, do not let that get into your head.

One more week to go and then the descent begins ….

Ends

Note to self: I hope I don’t slide down the other side on my metaphorical arse!!

Nadio Granata

29th June 2021

Poem