The Glory of Success

Aug 17, 2006—The cold here is incredible. I woke up to find my tent flap frozen shut—I had to break it open with my boot.

A version of hell
But the opposite of flame
Heaven far below

Aug 18, 2006—Every day is a painful contrast between the sweat and heat generated from the exertion of scaling a mountainside, and the cold and hypothermia of sub-zero temperatures. I’m beginning to hate this mountain, and to despise the easy living of the people so many miles beneath me.

Another day’s end
Yet another step closer
But still there is doubt

Aug 19, 2006—The peak seems so far away at times. I spend 12 hours a day moving upwards, but it remains a constant fixture in the distance. Perhaps it is no more than an illusion, and no such mountaintop exists. I’m beginning to doubt my ability to complete this mission—my supplies are running low.

An absence of food
Marks the long passage of time
But no turning back

Aug 20, 2006—I checked my food bag, and I have enough for a few more days. Fortunately, I am within a day’s climb of the summit. I have no idea how to manage the return descent with no food, though. Regardless, I will think of that tomorrow, after I reach the top and experience the glory of success.

A long, winding path
That is found some years later
Led to the summit

A frozen body
Clutching these frozen pages
Is found there, smiling



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