Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre by Edmund Siejka We were in the Italian Rivera A once in a lifetime trip Hiking along the remote cliffs of Cinque Terre Along narrow rock strewn paths Barely wide enough For goats. We continued Clinging to the cliffs of the coastline Crossing over flimsy wooden bridges Past vineyards Olive groves And lemon orchards. Falls were common I remembered Simple rules of the trail Look downward Not up Know where you are going Make sure you can get back safely Carefully we continued Weighing every slippery rock And stone Before taking the next step. When our guide stopped I rested In front of me Splashed across A deep blue horizon Was the Mediterranean Ancient as Homer’s Helen And now a scene of tranquil emptiness. We started again Shifting our weight Walking on our heels Following the steep Downward slope Ending hours later I was exhausted Glad that it was over. My sides ached Every breath A struggle Forcing me to wonder If I would ever cross this way again.