The Ropeway Dream

High on a hill,

Happy, with head held high,

Intent on a homeward quest.

Two ways opened up—

The first: steps sure, simple, yet safe.

The other: fast and furious, an adventurous flight.

Her heart trembled;

Obviously, this was it!

Blissfully, onto the ropeway she stepped.

The cool, bracing winds quickened her pulse, ruffled her curls.

She drifted, carefree as a child.

Suddenly—a snap, a swish—

Stumbling, down she went.

Gone was the thrill, replaced by peril,

The inconsistent contradictions of life.

Soft mud held her, cushioned her fall.

Someone led her down a green, slushy trail, into a marketplace.

There were people like her, stranded on the hill, waiting for assistance.

She wandered off, beholding the shops:

Groceries, vegetables, fruits—and crabs.

Crabs that were huge, yet light and empty,

Deceitfully attractive, but hollow within,

Like life’s distractions.

Guided by an unseen hand, she turned onto a new pathway,

And lo! There in the distance lay the object of her yearning—

Carved into the hill, a cave aglow with luminous light,

Beautiful and Divine.

She gazed wistfully. She longed to see the splendor within.

But urgently, she was called back.

The rescue party had arrived.

Arrangements were made to continue the drive.

All the vehicles were filled—only one left.

She found herself among bodies long dead.

Helplessly, she gazed at them all,

Unable to fathom the meaning of it all.