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

[Remanence]

The beauty, alure, challenge and the cost of that challenge are all here under the mantle of your words. Indeed, a very worthy remembrance. 5☆

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Watercress for your continued support. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Marina]

I had to google these fellows, even though your poem is not specifically related to them. Seems they met a grisly end with rumours of murder swirling around on the net. Mountaineers are both brave and foolish in equal measure and unfortunately these fellows paid the ultimate price for adventure. I enjoyed the description throughout, Chris. Paints the scene without touching on the circumstances surrounding their deaths. 💛

[Chris Shaw]

Yes Marina, they died on Everest in 1924. Never proven whether they died on the ascent or descent. Mallory was found 70 years later face down on the scree, close to the summit. Irving has never been found. They did pay the ultimate price. They wanted to be the first to conquer Everest. Thank you so much for your interest.

Chris

[Cherrie Palmer]

What a great job you have done. Your structure moves us forward. Causing the reader to fall into your words.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Cherrie. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Beautiful writing with evocative images. I'm currently struggling with a short story that uses similar colors in the painting of its world. 5 years dedicated to it so far, but it's important to me because the color of the world defines her love and beauty. If it comes out half as good as your poem then I'll be happy. The title of it will be 'In her fair colors'. Thank you for sharing, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Carlos for your encouragement. I wish you luck with 'in her fair colours'
read moreMany thank yous Carlos for your encouragement. I wish you luck with 'in her fair colours'

Chris

[mattavelli]

Hello, Christine! :)
This one shifted from a colorful view to a crushing tumble of rocks, really fit the title. I've never seen the point in climbing a cold rock. The slope of a warm sandy beach suits me; I can make footprints with a drink in my hand. Haha

[Chris Shaw]

You are going for the soft option. Beach and drinks. I think 99% would agree with you. Mallory was a one off. They don't make many like him. He is one of my all time heroes. Isambard Kingdom Brunel is another. Thank you Mattavelli for stopping by. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Lorry]

Some people are just meant to kiss the sky Chris and always reach for their goals with a passion few of us ever get to meet. To those who say there is no good way to die, I'd say doing what you love must be close.
A drug fuelled sex heart attack sounds an okay way to go for me too, but that's neither here. 😊
So wonderfully penned Chris. I even felt that cold, chill wind that (no, me bad. That's just the weather here) 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Lorry. Mallory started early. His Dad was a.mimister in a church. He was climbing steeples at six. Can you believe that? Must have put the fear of God in his mother :) Yes, some are born to reach for the heights. I'm all for leaving with a smile on my face, but peacefully. I'll be giving wild parties a miss :) Thanks for dropping by.

Chris

[Kerra]

This is really wonderful Chris, Beautifully written

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you enjoyed the read and I likewise was pleased too Kerra for your visit.

Chris

[Poetic Beauty]

Those thrill seekers wanting to accomplish one of the things many have failed to do.

The beauty of nature described in this poem is outstanding and the adventure of climbing the mountain of all mountains allows the reader to feel why these people want to do this treacherous obstacle

[Chris Shaw]

Mallory started climbing the steeple of his Dad's church when he was six. He never looked back. I have a fascination with mountains. Incredibly beautiful and incredibly dangerous. Thank you for your very encouraging review PB.

Chris

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

I love this poem. I've been wanting to write a poem about Everest for a while and you've done. So wonderfully explained and expressed, Chris. First of all, I love how you wrote this without even the mention of the mountain by name. I never heard of Mallory and Irving, but I tend to research them. Your imagery and descriptions were spot-on, so to know exactly what you were writing about. This is my fave of yours! Keep up the great work. tyfs

[Chris Shaw]

Your review is so uplifting Cyprian. I am fascinated by mountains and those like Mallory abd Irving. Fearless in the face of giants. Many thank yous for your visit.

Chris