There was a quiet suffering that defined her demeanor
She carried both the sins and the fortitude of every age
Never complaining, never faltering, never, seemingly, doubting
Every day she walked the steep mountain trail
Carrying water to the barren peak
Carrying life to those less fortunate

A simple existence
She later told me
Was the simple reason
For her constant clear bearing

It’s been twenty years since I’ve visited
I wonder often
Does she still make the daily trip?