Facing Giants

(a small tribute to Mallory and Irving which is not specific to the way they met their death)

himalayan mountain ridges rise to

a crescendo at dawn's first light

nights navy mantle gently receding

like tide's ebb

bejewelled summit struck by sun's

topaz rays, sky ablaze in shades of

tangerine tones of citrus energy

swished with gun metal grey

sharp stark snow caps conceal

ravines bedevilled with deepest

gaps, icy glaciers glint sequinned

diamond glare

slopes camouflage shrouded

secrets of lost pioneers

those who chose to climb craggy

rock faces in adverse weather

sacrificed in hopeful endeavours

hidden from sight as time passes

smothered by avalanche's cruel 

cold counterpane

dreaded rumble thunder sounds

echoing, leaving men dead, buried

or frozen face down on scree's

harsh hostility

fearless are mountaineers

compelled to conquer the apex

leaving a footprint on life's pinnacle

simply because it's there

Reviews

[S.zaynab.kamoonpury]

Ahh yayy you mentioned the Himalayas, thats motherland mountain to me,. And wow your imagery and vocab is so awesome and impressive and your thoughts for the perished climbers, nice compassionate! Kudos for this lovely wonderful poem and am so glad to have read this.

[Chris Shaw]

Zay Zay, I am so pleased you liked my efforts, paying homage to your motherland mountain and those who have lost their lives attempting the climb. Keep safe my friend.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

love your poem ..packed full of color, movement, music, taste and textures ... all my senses get buzzed reading this one Chris ... well done ... you pulled out the stops and the consonance of " ,,,cruel
cold counterpane" is milk tongue for the thirsty ... love the "navy mantle" of night .. battle ship grey .. the rhythm is so natural i slid right down that mountain side (without harm) ;) never knew anything about Mallory nor Irvine so thank you for that as well ... wonderful tribute and read for me ... fine stuff says i!
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Mr E for your lovely review and continued encouragement.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Years ago. I was a free-climber. I climbed every mountain on the west coast with two friend. Gail and Padget. A few time, we found ourselves with no-where to go. Dear Chris, those brave people that climb to unknown and Winter. They are testing nature. A amazing poem. You made me remember good days. Thank you dear Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased this poem reminded you of the good days Coyote. Many thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

It did dear Chris. Once I need free road, the sea and large mountains to climb. You are welcome my dear friend.

[Azifwecare]

reading your poem here is like pulling me in to see it all first hand. WOW! What a sad scary way to go. Great story- for the imagery you cast for my minds eye to see it as such.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased the imagery came through with the story line. Tragic end for some who attempt to conquer Everest. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Ruby Heggie (PB Jacobs)]

Poems like this get my mind off of the boredom I experience and get me thinking again in a new direction. I like how descriptive you got in the first part of your poem, as to me, it alludes to a different facet of life, and you smoothed that out in the second part of your poem to remind me the mountains can be all too familiar. If only I could focus my attention as well as you. Practice makes perfect.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks PB Jacobs for your encouraging review. Pleased my poem diverted the boredom for a few minutes.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

The last verse seems to be a nod to Sir Edmund Hilary, who, when asked why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest, said, "Because it's there." The poet uses her formidable skills in nature poetry to paint a verbal picture of the Himalayas, that ultra high mountain range in Nepal which has challenged the efforts of many mountaineers, with occasionally lethal results. The mountains are brought forth before our eyes brilliantly, with descriptions that highlight both their beauty and their danger. As one who is wary of heights above the 12th floor, I would much rather read about them than try to climb them, because they're there be damned.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. A nod to all mountaineers really, but especially Mallory and Irving. Your review left me most encouraged.

Chris

[Vertigo Cat1111]

I was just researching Mount Everest the other day, interestingly enough! The death surrounding icy mountains is always tragic and you manage to really pull the reader into your words and it's a wonderful reminder, something that keeps the loss of many in our heads, reminds us to think of them and be thankful that we're all safe. The colors, the imagery, and everything in this piece are gorgeous in a macabre way. I love the mountains but it's good to always be reminded of their dangers.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Colacat. The story of Everest is a fascinating one. I read Everest the West Ridge when I was 19 and working for a book publisher. Something so utterly beautiful can be punishing as well. That is nature for you.

Chris

[Relic]

I've heard of men attempting these climbs and dying in the attempt many times. Although not related, it reminds me of James Taylor's song 'frozen man.' His body was discovered after many many years under the snow. It must be a horrible way to die, knowing you're not going to make it.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes Relic, knowing you are so far from home and that is where your life will end. So lonely. Thanks for dropping in.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

Very descriptive writing. I liked the inner detail.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JungLee. Pleased you enjoyed this poem on a subject matter I find fascinating.

read moreThank you JungLee. Pleased you enjoyed this poem on a subject matter I find fascinating.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

you are welcome

[Dave Brown]

Another typically well done piece
I really don't know what compels anybody to attempt these incredible feats and it is only recently I realized the grizzly remains of failed attempts

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave. Yes, Mallory lay face down on the scree for seventy years before he was found. I often wonder what his last thoughts were, knowing there was no way home. He would have frozen to death after his fall. I just hope for his sake it was quick. Compelled they were. I'll never understand it either, but it certainly interests me.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

This reminds me of a failed attempt to sail through the Arctic mega yrs ago with the ship becoming iced in and after two years a attempt was made to walk out
I believe their bodies were just found recently,
I'll stick to just trying to make it back and forth to the fridge

[Chris Shaw]

Good idea. I'm with you on that one :)

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... your poem is timely... as we now have many heights of Survival in the World. It is a Challenge to not perish on the Summit... I did Google a lot of details and I feel it is Lovely to remember their Vision. gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat. They certainly had vision. So pleased you googled to find out more about their Everest story. Such pioneering spirit certainly has its dangers. Tragic for both of them and their families. Sending lots of warm wishes across the waves.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Hi Chris... your poem is far-reaching.. and I wish we would have Summits to reach today that would be not so dangerous. Be blessed and safe. gently, Pat