Taking in the dense urban air
Suddenly, I pause
In the distance, I see it, standing tall
Immediately, I knew I wanted to hike
Up this beautiful looking mountain, so close, yet so far removed

As I walk towards it, a first time visitor to LA
I know not where I go
But deep down, I feel content
I scale the mountain, step by step
Each step, lightening me more than the last
As the city beneath me shrinks
I’m excited for what lies ahead

Towards the top, I see the sign
The Griffith Observatory
As I near the summit
A walk becomes a sprint, then a dash

Till I reach, witnessing a world around me
Of minuscule buildings, bathed in the setting sun
I stand for a quiet moment, taking it all in
The sights, the sounds, the light hill air
Slowly and surely, the sun begins to set
Nearby, a crowd mills around a telescope
But I’m too engrossed seeing the stars closest to me
Above in the sky
And below in the city