A year ago I set my sights on Mesa Trail,
Eldorado Springs to Chautauqua Park.
Not ice, snow, clouds, or strong winds would inhibit me today,
the obstacles I conveniently created in fairer weather have been lifted.
Some water on my back, a banana, and a tangerine.
Gloves on, hat pulled down closely, I'm cold.
Sun is shining, coat unzipped, gloves off, I'm sweating.
I progress, one foot simply in front of the other.
My mind often contemplates if I'm going the right way.
Can I follow the wrong trail marker?
While I frequently seek physical confirmation,
it's a trail of prior footsteps in the snow that leads my way.
I convince myself at one point, I am just a short way from home.
I don't have to do the whole trail today.
Instead I turn away from home and just keep moving along.
I feel comfort on the trail I know, as many miles were new to me.
I turned a corner to a wide open space.
Chautauqua Park at my feet, 8 miles behind me.
I had arrived.
Excuses were no longer my obstacle.
Accomplished, satisfied, proud.