Ants

They line up behind each other
tiny, but determined.
Knowing their way without fail.
A long journey uphill. No, vertical.

Out of the lower depths
Sporadically losing many in the group,
but not always noticing.
Climbing, climbing, determined.

Out of the depths, halfway up
A little light, voices, scents of hope
Some stop here and revel!
Others trudge on.

The daylight brings satisfaction, relief.
They made it!
The breathless space
The quiet peace is worth it.