I wake at the sound of zipping tents,
wrestle out of my sleeping bag,
pack my backpack in the dark morning.
the fourth day-
peak day.

We set off through the freezing air and snowy ground,
heavy packs on our backs,
athletic shorts on our exposed legs.
the start of a long journey-
peak day.

Tall inclines that burned our calves,
wind chill that pierced our skin,
every step coming closer to the goal.
the climb to the top-
peak day.

Four hours later, max elevation reached,
beauty that takes your breath away,
far more than the journey up did.
the pain was worth it-
peak day.