The sheer rock face
threw a challenge
We accepted it.
The myth talked about a flying tiger
We accepted it.
The shenanigans of an ancient monk
Reinvented with passing time.
We accepted it.
The journey should end
At the hermitage,
We accepted it.
The peregrination
Is obligatory
They said;
The ascent within oneself and without
Is cathartic they said.
The blessing of the enlightened one
Is a must they said.
Foot by foot
Rock by rock
We climbed.
A step here, a step there
Against the will of mountain
We climbed.
With our bodies bent
But will upright
We climbed.
With doubtful steps
But steady mind
We climbed.
Shindigs of the
Impermanent world
Forgotten
The temporal goal
Long lost
As we stood at the cavernous door;
Alone, all three
Accepting the lore –
Where the mind is un-shackled
The body is free.