Everest: A Romantic Notion

Always speculation as to whether Mallory and Irving British Mountaineers were successful. Were they on the descent when they perished? Worth googling.

I am a dreamer,

thrilled by romantic notions.

One who wears her emotions

on her left sleeve.

I can not leave the thought alone,

that Mallory and Irvine peaked.

Reached their summit

and were on the descent.

Somewhere up there,

a photograph of Mallory's wife Ruth,

could be the proof.

Seventy five years passed

before he was found.

Belongings in tact,

frozen to the scree,

yet she,

she was missing.

He had promised

to place her on top

of the world,

so if he'd been on the ascent

it would have meant

she should have been

with him.

Reviews

[matelotrod]

You certainly have a way of bringing facts to life Chris. I would have forgotten this subject if it hadn't been for this great piece. How do you manage to remember thins like this? Is there proof that she was up there with him? Keep them coming Chris, you bring me enjoyment every time I read your work..... Thankyou… Rod.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Rod. So pleased you remember Mallory and Irvine. So taken I was by his story, I just had to pay tribute to him, Irvine and also Mallory's wife. Watched the documentaries, read the books...Thank you for commenting on this one. They were a piece of British mountaineering history.

Chris

Chris

[barleygirl]

I love the romance of mountaineering, even tho I'm too wimpy to do it myself. I've read many of the Everest stories, but I'm not familiar with this one, so it's a treat to get your cut on it! Now I'll have to do a little exploring myself. I love the amazing breadth of things you write about so intelligently & thoughtfully (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Margie. Well worth looking up Mallory and Irvine. Totally inspirational. Mallory one of my heroes.

Chris

[barleygirl]

I read much about mountaineers when I was learning to walk again after neck surgery. Very inspiring as I tackled my own personal mountain! *wink! wink!*

[Chris Shaw]

You did indeed tackle your own mountain, and dear Margie I do believe you have reached the summit. You are one of the most positive people I know.

Chris

[Jon Roggie]

I like this.
It makes me wonder if the photo might have blown away.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jon. It pleases me that you pause and reflect and form a possible conclusion of your own. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Jon Roggie]

My pleasure. History is full of questions.

Jon

[Jimmy Yetts]

You've made a believer of me!
Lovely and thoroughly uplifting, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy for believing in my romantic notion.

Chris

[Dave]

Thank you for the reminder. I remember so well the news of Hillary's success. It is a shame that those who tried before and were unsuccessful are so quickly forgotten, though in a very real way, they were the "trailblazers."

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave. Doing my bit to keep the names of Ma!lory and Irvine on the map.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

That's also why I think he made it. His remains were almost completely intact; if he had it it would have been there and there is no reasonable explanation for him to have somehow lost it.

The degree of difficulty, given the equipment on hand during that time and the fact that they did not have the benefit of an ascent plan (since they were the first), is almost unimaginable.

You should write one on the '08 K2 disaster. Most people don't know too much about K2 beyond it's name. To this day no one has successfully summited that mountain in the winter. It's easily the most dangerous of all the 7 summits.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you came to the same conclusion I did. Seen documentaries and read the books and nothing will change my opinion. Don't know much about the K2 disaster. It was always Mallory and his pioneering spirit I was interested in. I appreciate your response David.

Chris

[Wild Rose]

Yes Christine I read this some time back
They didn't have any real protection Harris Tweed coats Studded boots (Not crampons) No oxygen bottles

[Chris Shaw]

They did so well Wild Rose. In those days they didn't have the equipment or knowledge that climbers have today. I'm thrilled that you know about him. I hope my poem keeps his memory alive.

Chris

[Wild Rose]

I can remember Edmund Hillary topping Everest with Sherpa Tenssing > Young Lady (toung in cheek)

[Flowers of Eternity]

This poem got me thinking and wondering as well..
As usual, your works are enjoyable to read!!

[Chris Shaw]

A hero of mine. Pleased you read my poem and it made you pause and think. Thank you

Chris

[Flowers of Eternity]

It really did!
Your welcome!