Up the steep mountain lies a hawk

Its beady eyes peering down below as it locked onto me

The pressure of its gaze was intimidating and the feeling was intensely daunting.

But I wanted to climb the steep mountain,

I wanted to reach the bitter cold summit.

Forcing each tiny step took me closer towards the peak wearily climbing the jagged rocks,

Anxious of the giant bird that lay near the summit.

But as a moment passed I waited no longer to climb.

The tall cliffs were ruthless,

My body was unable to progress.

I could still feel the gaze of the Hawk upon me

A heavy feeling of dread made me want to flee

But I thought to myself,

”Why would I have come so far just to leave?”

So I pushed past my fears ready for what the mountain had up its sleeve

And eventually I arrived at the steep mountains peak

--Hailey P., 9th-12th Grade