Mountain summit
Rock and ice.
Peaks above
The clouds.
Alpine world
Of wind and cold.
But also warm
And calm.
Ascending always,
Mostly upward.
Climbing, slogging
Pushing, moving.
Ice axe, rope teams,
Crampons, prusik.
Crevasses, glaciers,
Headwalls, ridges.
Confidence and
Proud persistence
Get you to the top.
And once you’re there,
Just look around,
The vision will astound.
Audio Version:
To the top!
Sweat mixed with rain,
Too hot for jacket,
But cold makes for pain.
Take a step forward,
Slide half a step back.
Gentle breeze pulls you onward,
Brutal gust makes you crack.
Stop, rest, breathe.
Sip some water,
Have a cracker,
And then, move on.
If you look up,
The top seems a long distance.
But keep moving forward,
And show your persistence.
The load is heavy,
And it only gets worse,
As the grind gets longer.
So don’t try and converse.
Stop, rest, breathe.
Sip some water,
Have a cracker,
And then, move on.
Each step gets you closer,
Believe it or not.
Rest assured your effort,
Won’t be for naught.
You’re undoubtedly tired,
And perhaps you’re wet.
That your legs are like rubber,
Is a good bet.
More than likely,
Your hands are like bricks,
Your feet have no feeling,
And your arms feel like sticks.
But suddenly, you’re there.
Stop, rest, breathe.
Your goal achieved.
Lookout and remember,
What you’ve received.
Sip some water,
Have a cracker,
And then, move on.
Audio Version:
Summit perspectives.
The stillness was almost eerie. I’d never been on a mountain summit when there was anything less than a stiff wind blowing. Since I didn’t have to try and find any sort of wind break, there was extra time to sit and take it all in. A pure luxury. There was plenty of time, no approaching storm, and all kinds of sunlight. And to top it all of, we all had full water bottles and snacks to spare. Continue reading “The Summit”
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