a new lift with each dip

by Rodney Williams

a pantoum, with thanks to Jeff & Fiona

on this path through high country, a new lift with each dip
each time turning corners, uncertain of progress
upwards we press, still as steep the next step
drawn on by possibilities, hearing bird-calls of promise

each time turning corners, set to make progress
with mud under foot, fresh hope around bends
we pursue possibilities – seeing lyrebirds, no less –
despite rocks & logs slippery, intent on one end

mud thick under foot, blinking at glare beyond bends
green sponge moss on stone – tall stands, eucalypts
granite risky, logs slippery, how close to the end?
destination – mushroom rocks: no place for slips

close-ups of stone moss – standing parallel, eucalypts
wide-angle screen-shots, needing best light for boulders
mushroom tors, not spores (no poisonous quips)
seeking a round rock head, balanced on stone shoulders

wide-ranging plans still: in our best light, though older
last ascending this path, shots of a sculpture, all natural
looking like a stone head, curved torso, round shoulders
an image for a brochure, its purpose promotional

now descending this path – camera dead, only natural –
downwards we tread, still as steep the next step
our message one of closure, its basis emotional
on this path through high country, a new lift with each dip

• At the southern end of the Australian Alps Walking Track