Backpacking | Teen Ink

Backpacking

December 4, 2011
By Kathryn Mahan PLATINUM, Fredonia, Kansas
Kathryn Mahan PLATINUM, Fredonia, Kansas
43 articles 53 photos 0 comments

Wilderness:

I hate up-hills,
Take a picture for my Facebook,
Do we have to go so fast?
When’s lunch?

Stop a minute,
Stand still,
Do you see it?
Do you feel it?

I feel cold,
And this pack is too heavy,
I don’t even like this color;
Can we have a break?

Look out at the snow, sky, trees, mountains,
Take a deep breath,
Do you see what I see?
How could you ever want to go home?

I have a lot of homework,
These boots are uncomfortable,
I can’t wait for a hot shower;
What do you have for snacks?

Sweetheart, just a minute
Just a minute of silence,
Just a minute of calm;
Do you see how it all sparkles?

My sunglasses are fogged,
My shoulders hurt,
Do people really enjoy this?
How much further?

Smell the pine trees,
Just look at this beauty…
Let your mind wander,
Just see what happens

I feel like I’m dying,
I hate the altitude
Where can I go to the bathroom?
There aren’t any animals out here, are there?

It’s all right,
Trust me, you can do more than you think,
Just relax a little,
Just relax, here,
Come and be quiet,
Come look at this with me,
Look at the snowflakes and the sunshine and the faraway peaks…
Do you see it?
Do you feel what I feel?

It’s too windy here, but -
Since we’re stopping, can we eat?
Hey, wouldn’t this be a cute picture for my profile?
Here’s my camera…
We’re not stopping now?
Well, how much further is it?
You’ve got to be kidding me.
All right, all right.
God, I hate going up-hill.

The author's comments:
I have worked as a guide for wilderness/backcountry trips in New Mexico and Wyoming; I really wish more folks could see the beauty the way I do.

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