Climbing

Climbing






From the bottomland and
River-bed the charcoal scene of
Stalks of trees can fall away to
Leaden river turn to blue,

Climbing feet select ascent to cut through
Stretching limbs and saplings
Bent by fingers hooked and pulling-
Pushing to emerge above,
Staggering-to-struggle, scaling to cheat the angle, wrangle
From each hand-hold, foot-hold, lighter breath of air, until

Exhausted to release, climbing finds one
Pulsing cloud and light ,
To reach, to crest and stand at last,
Upon one pinnacle of victory, with
Every average choice at foot. 


Hans Lillegard