Stone rose upward clean and bare
Air grew thin in silver air
Feet explored each fragile lift
Balance learned its sacred shift
No hand grasped a certain hold
Depth below refused the bold
Fear arrived to test the bone
Courage answered soft alone
Every step refined the breath
Every rise outpaced regret
Sight expanded with each tier
Stillness taught the art of near
Climb without the easy brace
Trust the depth not outer face
Railings show where doubt resides—
Soul ascends where self decides