by AMANDA ALLAN
Climbing:
Hooves thump for purchase.
Nostrils flare, snorting steam.
Snow covered bracken.
Tree ferns droop, drip.
Summit:
Granite boulders capped, fluffy white.
Scattered tall gums.
Thick chilled cloud,
Engulfing view.
Stop:
Slowing rhythm flanks against legs.
Shiver.
Pull Akubra over ears.
Tighten Dryza-bone collar.
Wafting:
Horse sweat.
Eucalyptus.
Rotting vegetation.
Damp air.
Dead silence:
Eerie
Darkening
Ominous.
Go now.