August 21

A picnic overlooking the city of Cusco

With so little oxygen the ascent was slow

Kites peppered the sky where we put down our rug

They jostled for position, jolting from each tug

Mel snoozed while I watched one spiral out of control

The kid was frustrated, each fall taking its toll

Then finally he got it and the kite roared into the sky

The kid beamed and uttered a terrifying war cry