Connections

I describe our friendship as a mountain hike.

A class trip where a single strand of thread connects everyone

As we disperse, groups break off onto separate trails

We seem to follow the same path.

Threads around us snap off as the terrain becomes more laborious

I also notice we are no longer connected by a single thread,

Instead a string of many threads

The ground is rocky like a dried riverbed.

I stumble and fall; you remain to help me up

The string changes a second time, now to a satin chord, stronger but still easily broken.

We’ve come to boulders, stumbling blocks and the chord transforms to twine and becomes Shorter

Our friendship has strengthened, deepened

In our path to the mountain peek is a precipice

The twine multiplies and converts to a strong rope

Together we pull and work our way up,

Struggling as one

The line has reduced considerably

I can’t walk without brushing your shoulder

The mountain sharpens and I stand wondering

Will the rope change?

Will it break and I fall to my death?

I stand and look into your eyes and hold your hand

What awaits us at the top?

Do I really want to know?