A Backpacker's Tale

"A Backpacker's Tale," is a "journey" poem with some elements that fit into the definition of an epic poem, which I'd written in 1993 and included in As Glaciers Move. However, In 1993, I'd created more than one version of this poem. Not just rewrites, but publishable versions. One of those versions is what I'm now referring to as the "full-length." I didn't choose it for publication in As Glaciers Move because, at the time of assembling the book, I'd felt that it was too long. In the full-length, after the discussion with the voice on the ridge, the literal journey continues much farther and the figurative journey much further. The full-length expands the backpacker's tale. I might post it here in my blog, possibly starting in a few weeks, but as small, manageable, weekly installments. Then, if you wish, you can print each installment and put the poem together upon delivery of the final stanzas to read "out loud," my preference for reading poems, in its entirety. If I publish a second version of As Glaciers Move, or another book of poems, quotes, and poetic prose, I will certainly include the full-length.