Driven

Driven

A Poem by Chris Shaw
"

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

© 2022 Chris Shaw


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Featured Review

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.

Posted 2 Years Ago


2 of 2 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Thank you for that wonderful share Fabian. I prefer to look at mountains. I have a terrible fear of .. read more
Fabian G. Franklin

2 Years Ago

You too, dear poet. F.



Reviews

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

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

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

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

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Thank you Winston. Pleased you enjoyed this tribute. A hero of mine. I much admire his pioneering sp.. read more
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.

Posted 2 Years Ago


2 of 2 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Thank you for that wonderful share Fabian. I prefer to look at mountains. I have a terrible fear of .. read more
Fabian G. Franklin

2 Years Ago

You too, dear poet. F.
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

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Thank you Pat for sharing that lovely memory with me. How exhilarating an experience for you. The vi.. read more
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 ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

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

Chris
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.

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

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

read more
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.

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

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

Chris
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

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Many thanjs Lathe. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Chris
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.

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Many thanks for your visit and for the encouragement offered.

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

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Thank you Dale. You are appreciated.


Chris

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Added on August 23, 2022
Last Updated on August 23, 2022

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

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