Economically, it was a difficult time
women itched in woollen scarves
men stamped their frosted minds
a cruel wind blew till their steaming chips were down.
..
Socially, it was a treacherous climb
He clung to the frozen earth with hooked toes
vertically
.
.
impossible
pebbles snapping like dragons’ teeth
stressed grass grazing his aching knees.
.
Astrologically, he read the perfect sign
and chose this day to set his sight
at the hill above vast unmolested sea.
.
At the summit
he would put down his heavy pack
lean his broad back against a small patch of undamaged sky
and watch history unfold.