Rock of Ages
by Ian Curtress
Broken rest so
what’s new. Will power now. Legs out
of bed.
Pain is miserable and disabling, any
respite welcome but unlikely so
make the effort to tackle the North Face
of the Bathroom.
No Sherpa to help with the shower so
watch footing.
Attention drawn to poor design, third arm
would have been a
quantum leap forward in safety and
productivity.
Only a matter of time. Genetic
engineering catching up with IT
Have made safe arrival at Camp bathrobe
and modicum of comfort.
Gaining strength for traverse to bedroom.
Very near miss again at Landing Crevice.
Must make note to leave piton nearby.
Fall would be fatal, no companion to whom
I could be roped.
Have made it once again but odds not
looking good.
Last metre to what is known as The Chair
a challenge.
Why is clothing for the day so difficult
to handle.
Again a possible design weakness.
Either longer arms or shorter legs to
tackle socks and footwear.
Dreaming of a climate where one could get
by with just Y fronts.
Now the real challenge, the perilous
descent to Base Camp.
First stage to Landing Crevice on level
so tiring but minimal risk.
Looking down. The apprehension never
changes. Grit teeth, concentrate.
Don’t attempt to take chances
thinking about the brew you will make
when safe.
Even my shakes have the shakes. Ignore
the obvious signs
Cannot describe the relief at the safety
of Base Camp.
For a while, joints, muscles and
weariness are forgotten looking into a
mug of
piping hot tea
Euphoria wears off as the essential
chores to be tackled are considered
Some ambitious, others essential, like
meals to be planned and prepared
All will be exhausting.
How incredible it must be to have a team
or be a young man again.
Don’t dwell on the impossible, yours
is a solo challenge, so head down and
Welcome to my world. |
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