Almost vertical in places

 We were attempting to climb everest
The track was so shaded thin surface ice melted next to our footfalls
The younger of us asked is it only eight kilometers up?
The oldest of us replied yes but it gets almost vertical in places

we continued along the track  rhodadendron flowers flashing
Hillside boulders and cannabis looming
We walk in unison for seconds then lose pace among ourselves
By the time our steps develop consistency the track climbs

Night will fall soon
a local house will bed us and feed us