Back packs ready, trekking gear checked
An air of excitement as we set off
The search for the elusive tree of life,
The pool of ultimate immersion.
The journey arduous yet enjoyable
Cannot be rushed, cannot be taken lightly
There is uncertain terrain to be traversed
Unknown and yet anticipated discoveries.
Excitement mounts, our journey deepens
Rich dark jungles, constricting undergrowth
Makes our way difficult at first
But our single-mindedness urges us on.
Our goals are mystical landforms
Not always visible to the naked eye
They must be approached with care
Caution practiced, should they remain hidden.
This is an unpredictable world,
Humid and mysterious
Pleasurable and luxurious
So many contradictions in one landform.
Your plan is to find the tree of life
It lies beyond fine sac boulders
You negotiate and push through thick bush
You gasp as it rises before you.
It stands majestically above you
You embrace it aware of legend
That it will give out what you
Put into its wonder and strength.
A little way off, the discovery of a crevasse,
A chasm, the smooth walls standing guard.
Looking into it you become aware of the heat
You are lured into exploring further.
You enter a world previously not imagined
A tropical land warming you with each step
But you know you are close to your goal
A tiny slit, you peer into a paradise.
You walk around the now bigger opening,
You find yourself strongly drawn
You enter its luxuriant waters
Your whole being comes alive.
After you relax, compare your adventures
Share the experience, the discoveries
Satisfied with the days journey
You make immediate plans to return.
Morpethroad 
Great written 🙂
Thank you Tina, glad you think so. Please call again.
Waterfalls flash with sunlight
Their melodious splashing calls
Four rocks – three steps then four….
Pain flashes sharp and fast
Two hours – now three
The cool green sanctuary fades
And in its place, dingy white.
Chemical smells.
A broken foot has ended
the joy
Of the sparkle, the splashes
The welcome green sanctuary
All gone.
Morphine biss –
The pain subsides.
Thanks Lyn, your is not a joyous memory of bush walking as is mine. I sense a real life event for you?
Yep. When I was sixteen. Went on a bush walk with a youth group and had to be stretchered out 😀
And the memory has stayed with you. Sad Lyn, have you been back?
LOL not with my arthritic knees and asthma. I wish I could, I quite enjoy bush walking, but alas, it’s not to be 😦
Bugger getting old isn’t it. Know how you feel.
Wonderfully descriptive prose, Michael. It’s very well done
Thank you Jackie happy you enjoyed this journey.
A great walk!
Thank you RoSy, a very prudent comment my friend.
Oh Michael, what a beautifully written poem and description of a walk that obviously you had a lovely experience. Oliana
Thanks Oliana, it is how you see it, thanks for the lovely comment.
Perhaps it’s just me – but I read this as a hiking verse but also exploring another human being..s I said perhaps just me 😦 Either way and enjoyable walk, with discovery along the way.
Thank you Jenny very perceptive and astute of you. Enjoyable it always is.
🙂 so glad my mind is working 😉
We are all so pleased.
shoosh now 😉
This sounds very Freudian, almost erotic in imagery or do I have a dirty mind?
Well done miss gimpet.
L-O-L you are the master…..wonderful in its’ understated sensuality.
Thank you happy you enjoyed it.