There's a huge mountain—but inside
out
with a peak
that points down
and a road
that grows wider,
where the going
gets easier
except that it becomes
hotter and ever more
crowded with other people—
as you climb
lower,
to
the center, actually
moving toward
your fear
and uncertainty
instead of treading over it.
until
your pain
and theirs
join and commingle
in a mild
underground
river
of very pleasant warm water.