Driven

Written after seeing a photograph of George Mallory's childhood home, (British explorer and mountaineer 1886 - 1924), where his love of heights commenced.

tall turrets tower
towards sky's ceiling
on a sunlit morning
where a neck stretches
with ambition

a route map for a
reckless small boy
as he ascends
climbing his potential
a dream for heights

he finds footholds
in red brickwork
honing his skills
imposed on Victorian
splendour where he dares
to scale upwards
and outwards

on to a sloping roof
of his family home
lithe limbs move
sans fear
as young Mallory
peaks then descends
time and again

paving the way
for days ahead when
Everest loomed large
inviting possibilities
of both glory
and death

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

The mountain climbers are an incurable breed of thrill seeker. I've climbed a few mountains myself but not that sort. And I have scaled ravines of solid rock that a fall most certainly would have meant death . BUT...it was because I was fishing or swimming in the waters below. I also used to enjoy hiking out in nature (my legs won't support me anymore) but at that height eagles and hawks soar by mere feet away and I could see miles of breathtaking scenery. Mine wasn't the thrill of the climb or to conquer the mountain but just to enjoy the riches nature offered there. I wouldn't want to climb the barren Rockies or Everest, nothing there but snow and rock and ice. And the air is too thin to breathe at the edge of heaven. I understand a little of why men do it. It just never held any personal appeal for me. I enjoyed your poem about this mountain climber and explorer. I've been a resident of the Appalachians most of my life so I have enjoyed mountains as well in the oldest range in the world. But I'll leave the taller peaks to the thrill seekers. Great read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for that wonderful share Fabian. I prefer to look at mountains. I have a terrible fear of heights, but an admiration for those with a pioneering spirit. Have a good week-end.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

You too, dear poet. F.

[Kim S.]

Quite an enjoyable read here, you write with wonderful imagery.

[Chris Shaw]

I try hard with the imagery Becks. Thanks for noticing.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

When I was young I thought I wanted to climb mountains. Fortunately, I got over it. A really interesting tribute.
Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Winston. Pleased you enjoyed this tribute. A hero of mine. I much admire his pioneering spirit. Have a good day.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris… I myself and my family and friends climbed Sugar Loaf Mountain in Maryland USA when I was about 17 yrs old on Easter morning. The view was gorgeous with the Sun Rising. I will always remember the View. Your Poem is an Adventure that reaches beyond and above expectations. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pat for sharing that lovely memory with me. How exhilarating an experience for you. The view must have been spectacular. I will Google Sugar Loaf mountain to take a peek at the view. Have a lovely weekend.

Chris

[red93]

Really Excellent Chris and I have noticed a deepened sensibility and craft since yr dear Mother's passing away - almost as if the experience has brought you to a truer knowledge of your own talent. Time for that Book when all your current business is sorted I feel ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tony for all your encouragement. Keeps me motivated.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Had to do some research to be able to review this one. Frankly, I have never understood people like Mallory. As if the first battle of the Somme was not enough, he had to repeatedly risk his life climbing the highest mountains in the world. Not surprisingly, he died young. For me, driving in rush hour traffic is enough of a challenge.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. Some, are just driven. I too find it puzzling. I appreciate your visit.

read moreThank you John. Some, are just driven. I too find it puzzling. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[duff]

Your imagination leading us on a fine journey into the realization of hell and touching heaven after what they experienced. Wit and knowledge woven. I like it Chris. I hope you're well.

[Chris Shaw]

All reasonable duff. Thank you for stopping by. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Lathen Griffiths]

I love your combinations of both history and poetry, there is always much beneath the words that carry through the pace and the meaning.

Lathe

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanjs Lathe. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

I love this poem Chris. What a fantastic first stanza, an earwig I expect I'll carry around with me for the next little while.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your visit and for the encouragement offered.

Chris

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

I really love this poem. it has o sense of freedom and bravery.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dale. You are appreciated.


Chris