A Mountain Too Far
written by: Robin McNamara
This Malaysian moon is near
the end of her night —
with unfulfilled longing
the Klang valley, low with light
misty and in anticipation of rain
Persimmon trees, ripe with berries
The birds thrill as day begins in
the open markets selling Teh Tarik
and Nasi Lemak
The little white boy takes a ride to
the mountains the same ones he flew
over to get here
The driver has Buddhist beads on the
mirror, the radio, echoing spiritual music
the cassette a greatest hits of chants
He reached the foot of the mountain
where a Malaysian angel waited at
the summit- “good luck!” said the driver
The little white boy climbed the mountain
until finally, he reached the summit
a beautiful sight awaited him
“Hello” she said, “I hear you were looking
for me? well now you found me la”
he was so sweaty and happy
“I’m so hungry” he said, so she pulled out
a spiky looking piece of fruit
“Wha that?” he asked curiously
“Durian” she smiled sweetly, “it’s good for you,
eat it and be happy” he ran so fast down
the mountain, that he forgot he was hungry!
- A Mountain Too Far - January 26, 2025
- Mountain Soul - November 2, 2022
- Torn Away - July 30, 2022