Climb

  Cataratas

  Pulhapanzak

Waterfall

Mud covers my shoes

while droplets of water create a coat

across my skin

the scent of orchids filling my nose

as i inch closer to the monstrous waterfall

like approaching both an old friend

and a powerful adversary

i slip, move back, begin again

down the rocks

cold to the touch

water shoes squeak

then slide

hands clasping hands

i regain my balance

wet clothes sticking to skin

colors made brighter in the sun

shining through the water,

a rainbow across the rocks

Climbing up now

the rough stone biting flesh

piercing skin

goosebumps spreading

up and

down my arms

air is scare

eyes blinded by a fine mist

the ringing in my ears 

matched only by the sound

of water violently hitting rocks

beating them further down

into the riverbed

rising to the surface

legs hitting against rocks

feet looking for support

and finding none,

i slip again

i jump

frigid water pulls me under

and i’m surrounded by bubbles

like a butterfly in its cocoon

water filling mouth

teeth chattering

i kick up

but the strong hands

of a stranger reach out

grabbing onto me

pulling me back to safety

“Climb,” the guide says

So, i do