…do you feel me here?

As you strive in the cold and the rain
as you ascend the lofty heights
as you stand out of place in billowing clouds
that seem to feel your pain as your body aches
and cries out for you to stay, to leave the face another day
do you feel me? do you feel me here?
as you reach out towards the sky
as your lungs find little there, do you feel me?
do you feel that it is I that strives for air?
as the day beckons you at the roof of the world
and the closeness of the dark
the harshness of the climb recedes, with the final, painful steps
as you break through and see the world beneath your feet
the pain behind your eyes is lost for just a moment
replaced by breathless views, will you turn towards me?
will you place your hand upon your thundering heart?
will you draw breath, and know I send my last to you?
will you paint a picture in your mind
and store it in your heart for me?
do you feel me? feel my heart matching step with yours?
and do you feel me? feel my love meeting yours upon the breeze?
© Ann Bagnall