ALMOST THERE By Jim Kittelberger The door slams behind me, loud in the quiet night, Winter moonlight bathes the tundra Work boots crunch a frigid cadence Diamonds in the snow sparkle its fools gold Do not linger Silent eternity awaits the foolish The cold invades my clothing Quicker the crunching sound I must hurry; I must hurry The wind arrives unexpected as death Snow swirling, envelopes me in white sheets I’ve lost my way, make a quick back track while I may Tears spring unbidden from my eyes and turn to ice I must hurry My tracks are being covered, but I know it’s this way Yes I know I’m right Crunch; crunch Quickly, the enemy panic arrives Faster; faster I can’t see, should I go ahead, or back or Oh God, help me I’m so tired There, under that tree I’ll wait I’ll wait and think It has to stop soon I’ll rest and wait I hope my love will forgive me for being late I’ll just close my eyes for a moment