Kilimanjaro – A Dream

Kilimanjaro – A Dream

The chassis bumps us along the western slope
of Kilimanjaro
The eastern sun rises in a haloed circle
In dizzying loops to lasso peak
Blinding my eyes to the prize
Of alpine epiphany on a baptismal summit

A hitchhiker knows the way
The ghost lady takes the driver’s seat
Her hands hold the wheel
To steer us onward to the sun stirrups
Her pale blue eyes reflect a séance of tears
With her climb long over and ending in tragedy
Leaving her to roam the hallowed ground
Where she was buried
On the flutter of an angelic void spirit

The sign says “All Kilimanjaro Attractions”
We take the road toward ascent
We are greeted at the base camp
by African drummers
A fortuitous beginning for an alpine trek
A Chinaman serves potluck stew
My fortune cookie says:
“A safe journey awaits the brave.”