Goddess Mother of Earth

(name the people of Nepal give to Everest)

long before corpses
of courageous mountaineers
were consumed by Everest's
magnetic allure

to be tragically
left in death on frozen scree
or buried in deep crevasses

bar headed geese had already
discovered they could salute her
in a fly past at unrivalled heights
admiring her natural beauty
while surviving biting cold

peaks proudly pointing sky high
to Himalayan heavens
modestly swathed in bands of cloud
on days when sun's rays proved
to be elusively shy

i frequently ponder on pioneers
who set out to conquer her summit
to attempt what Mallory
did or did not do depending
on your own understanding
of his sad demise

in thought flight i imagine
i have wings, take to the skies
a magnificent avian view
scaling her face, soaring higher
and higher still

while the ceiling beckons
enticing brilliant blue
sun a blaze of molten gold
behold I'm on top of the world
base camps below
sheets of ice, thick blankets of
blinding diamond snow

closer to God
though not one I comprehend
closer to God
yet not one I pretend to know

Reviews

[Fay Slimm]

You were flying high in the writing of this magnificent tribute to the Goddess Mother of Earth - this mountain has swallowed so many yet she is still a diamond beyond any price and your eloquent lines add to her glory - am seeing those geese saluting as they pass by - such a heart-stopping read Chris - and thanks for the share of your thoughts on scaling her vast icy face.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Fay. I am so pleased you saw the fly past with the bar headed geese, because that was my intention when I started writing and before I included additional thoughts. I am fascinated by that mountain and have been for years since I was given a book called Everest the West Ridge. I appreciate your thoughtful review and visit. Have a lovely week-end.

Chris

[Fay Slimm]

My pleasure dear Chris - those wonderful geese braving such journey despite mountainous cold needed your tribute - - hope your weekend too goes with a swing l ................ x Fay

[wordman]

mt everest,it seems a lot of people have the need to conquer this great mtn,
i am happy to look at a distant,i can see enough beauty from here

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ron for your visit. I was given a book years ago called Everest the West Ridge. The photographs are breathtaking. You can admire from a distance, that's true.

Chris

[wordman]

i have seen many photos,it is beautiful

[Chris Shaw]

Can't disagree with you there.

[wordman]

well i guess we need to visit chris

[Weeping willow]

Lovely write about a journey of the highest mountain to climb. Some of us are always up for the challenge to soar among the clouds ;-}

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Weeping willow. Yes, some will always have that compulsion to climb to the heady heights.

Chris

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

This reminded me of two first mountaineers that attempted climbing Everest. Eventually, they perished.
Until Edmund and one other guys succeeded in getting to its summit. And that happened some decades later.
I think it takes time to understand a gods which are not meant to be defile.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Kay. I had Irving and Mallory in mind when I wrote these words. Early pioneers who both lost their lives. Irving has never been found. Mallory was found some 70 years after his death. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

Although I'm not a fan of inexperienced climbers attempting to summit Everest, I understand the allure, but, how far does that little bit of fame extend?
"I attempted to climb Everest."
"Oh, did you summit?'
"No, turned back within 50 feet of the top."
"Loser."
Too many inexperienced people climb the mountain...too many are still up there.
Your poem resonates...drawing a clear picture of the trials involved and that bar headed geese are the only creatures who can achieve in a few hours what man takes six weeks to do if he or she makes it.
How many of those climbers were aware of God, and how many just gasping out their final breaths without comprehension?

A good write, Chris.

P.S. I wrote a poem called "Everest" quite a while back if you'd care to have a peek.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ted. Yes the bar headed geese do it with ease and don't leave loads of rubbish on the slopes which I understand is now happening. Man polluting this wonderful mountain. I'll go through and see if I can find your Everest poem. The mountain fascinates, such a rich history.

Chris

[alanwgraham]

As you know Chris I am an Everest fan but not so much in the present commercial mayhem. I've walked past several of these Himalayan giants in awe and flown past Everest on the way to Bhutan. It is incredible. Years ago, with two pals, we (individually) managed to climb the whole height of Everest 29000 feet in 21and a half hours fron 9am one morning till 6.30 am the next day. Yes, I know - because it was there! No - because we were bonkers.
This is a great bit of writing and you have caught the allure and beauty of the beast with well chosen words.
All the best.
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Alan, we share a love of this mountain. How wonderful for you to experience the thrill of being on those slopes. I think it is sad what is happening today. There is much talk about rubbish being left behind by climbers. So many these days wanting to conquer her because she is there. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the read and I thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Christine... one of the most awesome poems...
my favorite line ... "peaks proudly pointing sky high
to Himalayan heavens"... truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your very generous review Pat. All good wishes. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Amanda Moubarak]

beautifully written with amazing metaphors and style. well done

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Amanda for your review. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Eilis]

I love your last stanza, Chris. Maintaining the mystery while also admiring seems a worthy goal. The geese in their aerial admiration do not change the landscape, they absorb the beauty and majesty. If only we could adopt such a frame of mind.

I remember watching the movie about Edmund Hillary’s expedition when I was in my 20’s and feeling like the feat of climbing was treacherous and kind of mythological. Now I understand there is a long queue of people waiting for their opportunity. We have changed as people in our willingness to face danger. Not always sure that translates positively for the earth.

I really enjoyed your reflections in the poem, Chris. A lot of beauty and wisdom within. Great work.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Eilis for your thoughts on my Goddess poem. It was so interesting to find where my lines took you. So pleased you liked the final stanza. It just came, but then I started to question it. Pleased I left it in.

Chris

[Eilis]

I guess I did go off in left field a bit, ha. Sorry. I still have one foot in the weekend, I’m afraid.

But, yes, the final stanza is excellent. I love that idea.

[Chris Shaw]

No need to apologise. I love your thoughts and look forward to receiving your reviews :)