KILIMANJARO POETRY Continued (2): Poems 2 and 3 (of 9)
The two poems that follow here are mid-climb, on a long Day 4.
2. Kilimanjaro, Day 4/1
Equal when challenged
Challenged when equal
The day is long
The body becomes strong
And so too the mind
Others’ responses you can’t always gage
Except with Kilimanjaro as stage
Those who like to talk
And those who don’t
Those who give signals in other ways
A posture, a glance, a shrug
Even a little tug
Camaraderie versus competition
Encouragement versus criticism
Affection versus rejection
A group spirit endures
To everyone, a round of applause.
3. Kilimanjaro, Day 4/2
Candy wrappers show the way
Who would have thought?
Toilet paper marks the spot
Who would have known?
Cell phone signals around most bends
Who would have guessed?
All true—no jest
Then there’s nature…
Volcanic scree
Treacle scented flowers
Cactus palms that look like people
Caves and rocks
Clouds moving in and out
And through the mist, a burst of blue
The bluest blue you’ve ever seen
In reality, or on screen
A movie this climb is not
It’s so much more
Altitude sickness
Drug reactions
Freezing cold
And outdoor toilets
Offer experiences never had before
The challenge
The fear
The relief
The satisfaction
Each has its place and time
Nearly there
Nearly there
Pole, pole
Slowly, slowly
The final ascent is but 24 hours away
Oh what a day—though it’ll be night through early morn’
Each trail we’ve taken to get to this point
Has tested every joint
The long, the short, the in between
And now the even longer
For the even stronger
The will is there
And so is the way
Pole, pole
Slowly, slowly
The best plan
Woman or man
Contrary to the N. American way
Something to remember
A take-home gift with which to play.
