Smoke and Lights
Spectating the condensation in the mountain air
There’s something different at the end of this one!
In May, 2023, I undertook the Grand Traverse hike in the Drakensberg, South Africa. 14 days and 200km, including sections that local guides call ‘extreme’ terrain. I lasted four days, completing the Northern Traverse segment, with one of the nights experiencing the following.
In the absence of light
Amidst the empty sphere
The evening blanket rolls in
A bright headlight beam
Puts the spotlight on
And parts of the terrain appear
Deep breaths
Warm sighs
Allows the body to relax
The expelled air is quick to rise
Taking centre stage
A welcomed reprise
Distracted
Memorised
Left with amazement
The recurring thoughts
Of pain and agony
Vaporised
All lights, now out
And back in the tent
The dim white text flickering
On a dark surface
A parting thought for the night
I’m spent.
~M.