Wet and Cold

Wake to fog and cold

As tents rolled and packs packed 

The first drops of rain

All day its cold and fog

Snow and sleet as we ascend

And wonder on how the fog 

Makes the colors so bright

Remember how he spoke last night 

Of how deep pain makes way for great joy as well,

We push on to get down off the ridge

So cold, so damp this night –

Too cold to open the knife

Too cold to hold the pen to write

Only to cinch the bag tight,

Cuddle in the warmth 

Of this day most beautiful 

And oh, so miserable, 

No place I’d rather be.