Back When We Had It All

My old car, an old girl friend
fifty years ago
road dirt and gravel then
I knew where to go,
Up into the mountains
back before the crowds
climb ever higher
up into the clouds,

At the final parking spot
dressed for the hike
shorts, shirts, hiking boots
everything we like,
Have the place to ourselves
no soul for miles around
our beckoning destination
only forest sound,

Up the trail we amble
arms swing by our sides
remember times together
other afternoon rides,
Five miles in the future
on the mountain peak
abandoned forest lookout
the goal that we seek,

The view is stupendous
above the clouds and trees
up the rickety tower
to do as we please,
Back then we were horny
twenty and twenty-two
so no big surprise
what we would do,

Then we stand there naked
the wind on our skin
halfway to heaven
which we visit again,
Then finish our water
our one granola bar
reluctantly retreat
down to the car,

The drive back to the city
stop to count our money
buy a medium cheese pizza
afternoon turns sunny,
At the outside table
bare feet and fond recall
a mountain top together
back when we had it all,