The Climb

The air was thin and cruel.
Had broken no golden rules
for their chance to shine.

Waged war with elemental forces.
Refused to alter their courses.

Jagged peaks as far as the eye could see.
It was where they had striven to be.

No time to rest.
They had not passed the test.
The summit only half the quest.

The lines had been fixed.
The oxygen mixed.
To ensure they survived.

Now was the time to descend.
Making the mountain their friend.
Energy they could now expend.

From a truly prodigious height
down into a conscious fight
to beat the light.

Through the cloud shroud
they would not be bowed.
By fear not spoken aloud.

Hands on the rope
hearts filled with hope.
Down the treacherous slope
they coped.

Back into camp they tramped.
Guided by the lamps
and the soaring delight of
achievement so bright.