Upon the peak I stand with all of creation surrounding me. In solitude I observe the beauty of this earth, as the sun meets the horizon. Thin wispy clouds traverse the cold blue sky, and some are set ablaze by the fiery evening light. They are like flames that burn eternally amidst the darkening heavens. My breath exits my mouth in brief plumes of warmed air, I take each one with deliberation and care. The air begins to move, it further chills the exposed skin on my face; momentarily stealing my careful breaths. My legs, fatigued after a long and arduous hike, beg me to give them rest. So I sit upon the snow and rock, but I keep my eyes set on the horizon.
For a while, my thoughts allow me some respite from their presence. In this cold and desolate place of a different kind of beauty, I experience inner peace for the first time. In near silence do I witness the end of this day, and the arrival of twilight. It is not long before my eyes notice a star shining in the frigid sky. As the sun leaves, my thoughts make a triumphant return. They return with a wave of memories, both the good and bad; the essentials for reliving one’s life. Joy and laughter, sorrow and tears, they all crash together as the wave meets the water. I am unable to control myself as a tear forms in my eye; it freezes upon my cheek.
The past has passed.
The present, presents itself.
The future, will continue to turn the pages of time.
Twilight leaves and night follows. The temperature continues to fall, and my body numbs. How will I ever tell others about this moment? About this experience? How can anyone understand another’s perception and interpretation of something so common and yet so unique? Can I even understand myself? This life I live is not unlike others, so why not seek out those who also seek? Search for those who search. I will share this, because I must. To keep this for myself would be thievery, and selfish.
At dawn, my life shall change, here, upon the peak.