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The Sentimental Cell-Tower
We climbed like clouds, in the warmth of mid-day sun. Slowly, with a swig of therapy, I caught a full breath. Exhale: I am at a false summit. My lactic acid bubbles up from my bones, threatens to break surface tension from hips to knees. We shook off the Ponderosa pine tree-line 10 minutes ago. Now, an accompaniment, the low, slow howl of the wind. A brush against both ears. Working harder than my Lululemon to wick/dominate sweat. Warm currents will push eagles blissfully out of sight. I shall be Icarus with superglue; my ambition shall not destroy me. Compared to my Greek-mirror, I benefit from capitalist consumerism.
And, I was right. The top was where I belonged. What other worlds exist to be conquered? Verizon stands there with me, my phone has LTE. Atop the highest point in Arizona, Humphrey’s Peak, I am FaceTiming. In the distance I see the north rim of the Grand Canyon. In my hand, a friend runs errands in his car.
I got to share my elation and natural splendor with good, remote company, at 12,633 feet.
My reflection was external; what would someone, miles away, have to say? We each found our way up. Christopher McCandless died alone in remote Alaska. Famous for his quote, “happiness is only real when shared.” As well, pride beckons acknowledgement.
