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

[andrew mitchell]

We just like to conquer , it’s just in our blood and the reward is spectacular. But it’s becoming a litter field with human waste and frozen bodies. Nicely written Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Andrew. Shame about the littering. The climb looks spectacular. Thanks for calling on this older poem. Appreciated.

Chris

[alanwgraham]

A superb poetic portrayal of the mountains and those men who dare climb them in the full knowledge of the price they may pay.
Well done Chris.
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

So glad you enjoyed the read, Alan. All the best.

Chris

[JE Falcon]

Bringing mountains to the mind, and death within view. My mind was all over the place and did so happily. --- Thanks.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Falcon. Pleased you enjoyed the poem.

Chris

[Patricia]

This is top notch descriptive writing here! Love the second stanza, always a pleasure to read your writing! Making my way back to repay the favor my love! And for the enjoyment!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Patricia. Will be paying you a visit very soon. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

read moreThank you Patricia. Will be paying you a visit very soon. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Patricia]

You’re welcome:)

[shadrach hah]

Hi Chris, This is such a wonderful, flowing write. You bring the great mountain ranges to life and we see the endeavours of the pioneers of mountain climbing. Sing the song of those early pioneers who risked all. You are an artist of words, your flowing words paint such powerful pictures in the mind. I love the content of this write, Chris. Have a wonderful Friday. Hugs always....Mike.

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Mike. Totally inspired abd fascinated by those early pioneers. They died doing what they loved best. Thank you for your valued thoughts.

Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Mike. Totally inspired abd fascinated by those early pioneers. They died doing what they loved best. Thank you for your valued thoughts.

Chris

[shadrach hah]

You are ever welcome, Chris. We always need those brave pathfinders. Have a wonderful Saturday. Hugs always....Mike.

[Dylan Macadham]

Ah, Yes, because it's there!
Has anyone ever told you, you write the way an artist paints ?!
Loved it :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dylan, pleased you enjoyed this one. I did writing it too. Mallory, a hero of mine. Yes, many have said, I paint with words. That pleases me because I used to paint once. As a child I wanted to be an artist.

Chris

[barleygirl]

Even tho I love your powerfully-stated poem, I'm distracted by S.zaynab.kamoonpury's comment that the Himalayas = motherland. I've read many books about the area, in the realm of trekking or a celebration of the culture. Too bad hundreds of trekkers every year don't respect the mountain the way the locals do. Even tho your poem shows everything going on in the best possible light, there's really an ugly mess at the bottom (town-sized garbage) & at the top (abandoned carcasses) of these highways to the top of the world. I just can't celebrate it like you do. (((HUGS)))

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Margie. It's tragic, the rubbish now left behind. When I think of Everest I am usually thinking of Mallory and Irving. They did their climb in the early 20th century before everyone and their mother decided to have a go. That's how I prefer to remember it.

Chris.

[barleygirl]

That's when climbing was beautiful. I've read all the books from back then & also from now . . . the comparison is stark.

[Shelley Warner]

I like the part about "lost pioneers" "sacrificed to hopeful endeavors". A tribute to mountain climbers. Have you been to the Himalayas?

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for your thoughts Shelley. No I have not been, but I have done a fair bit of reading about Everest over the years and I'm interested in mountain climbing. (reading, not participating, I might add)

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

Yeah mountain climbing is not for me but my son in law has done a little climbing here in the Pacific NW.

[danielle.]

This piece has a lovely flow to it, I enjoyed the occasional rhymes scattered throughout. The beauty and power of the mountains is inspiration for some spectacular imagery and the desire of man to conquer them a uniquely human concept.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for checking in and leaving a lovely response. Most appreciated ellemorell.

Chris

[Pete]

scaling those frigid summits sure can be harrowing. was thinking of david facing goliath with a slingshot.

simply because it's there

great line and great ending. straight tall format.

wow -
bejewelled summit struck by sun's
topaz rays, sky ablaze in shades of
tangerine tones of citrus energy
swished with gun metal grey

you breathe the thin air of poetry at high elevations. great piece chris ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

You are far too kind Pete. Thanks for a great review. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris