why we climb mountains

the ledge invites and frightens, loose gravel
scratching solid rock beneath your feet,
until the grating sound--the rasp and rattle--
is silenced as you step into complete
nothing, carabined between simple faith
and gravity.  will the tether hold?
there is a pull, a tension, in the fray
of scattered thoughts and fear of lost control
pressed against the weightlessness of free fall
on a stretch of braided rope. it takes skill,
and grit, to climb while clinging to sheer wall,
inching upward, pulled by strength and will;
but then, the descent offers you rebirth,
as you coil and push away from earth.

marti noel