Hiker

Sandy sunscreen
straw hat of dust
a coat of gravel
covering all
wanders woman 
uphill.

Face to the sky
defying weariness
denying defeat
digs feet down
desperate 
for peak.

Mean rebel
uncontrolled
know-it-all
unmarried still
questionably so
treks solo.

Runs away
plain after plain
to send back
pain after pain
as parental hopes
finds noose.

Beams wide
atop mountain
brighter than light
from within
comes peace
with freedom.