Head for the Hills

[Underground_Network]

Wisdom is a point on a map
That no one has dared to venture to
Because the map reads
"Danger lies here."

But in time a brave adventurer,
A man with whom courage is a custom
And curiosity a birthright,
Will take his hands out of his pockets
And head for the hills.

The point on the map
That reads "Fear:
Do not dare go here"
Is just another potential destination
To the always smiling
White t-shirt and blue jean-garbed charlatan.

He knows he may face a mountain lion
Or a hostile civilization
Of untamed hearts
And unwavering minds,
But he knows that to discover
He must endure
And endeavor.

He pierces the dark hills
One fine summer night,
And the sun calls out to him
"There's no turning back"
As he passes through the brush
And trudges up and up
The solemn hills
Of no man's land.

After two days
And two full canteens
He reaches the top,
With a weary smile on his face
And a damp handkerchief in his right palm,
And just as the sun eclipses to the top of the hill,
His smile evolves into a grin
And, despite his defeating of chagrin,
He collapses, from within.