Climbing

My legs ache with every vertical lunge

That carries me up the wooden, stone, granite, brick...

That carries me up the stairs.

At home, the burning ache is a deterrent -

A reminder to not exert myself more than is necessary.

Reminders of my shape, size, weight, and weaknesses.

But in Austria

The pain is a trophy

Only awarded to those strong enough to conquer those creaking wooden steps.

In the Czech Republic

Each step is a minor victory

Leading up the stone tower toward my prize.

In Germany

The 10,000-step tower is just another challenge

To overcome - to prove to myself that I can.

My legs ache with every vertical lunge,

But the burning brings a sweet relief as I get closer

To seeing the view from the top.

I look out over the sea of buildings, castles, and rolling hills

Somehow always similar

But beautifully unique in every country.

In Austria

The mountains wear their snowcaps like a tophat.

Colorful houses decorate the sides in scattered ornamentation.

In the Czech Republic

The Charles Bridge from a bird's eye view

While less intimidating is that much more eye-catching.

In Germany

Each historical castle and mighty landmark

Is dwarfed from 10,000 steps up.

My legs ache with every vertical lunge.

As I climb closer to the top of the world.

With every step I'm closer to a moment of pure relief.