Climbing Stories

Two months ago I spent 31 days backpacking China. I didn’t write much on my adventure, but here are the poems I wrote on the trains or in the mountains. A Sun Kissed Phoenix From Dali She stood in the aisle, Sun kissed through the windows of the train, Like Zhou Yu’s ghost. She stood as though She wanted my eyes upon her, She smiled as though She knew they were. She looked left and right and back But she wouldn’t look my...

When we landed it was about noon- though we didn't care much about time, we cared about the light in the sky- and at the point that I started realizing what was happening (the moment when I start remembering), I'd say it was about two o'clock. Some guys (of about eighteen to twenty-one in age) start shouting about swimming out. I think it's a good idea- what's the worst that could happen?Nobody stops the guys- nobody real...

Summer holidays aren't what they used to be. Everyone's into my baby brother now, which is fine, but it means I've got to look after my little sister. "Take Louise for a swim son." She can't swim. She's only six. She just paddles and cries if too much water splashes her face. There are some kids about my age climbing round the bottom of the big rock nearby, exploring its rock pools. They'd let me explore with them if I we...

A wondrous thing that happens as your exit becomes near, is that bad “long-term” consequences need not cause you fear! Bottom line: there’s no “long-term” when soon you’ll see your savior! The construct is just meaningless, so why restrain behavior? Melanoma matters not, go tan in the bright sun. Enjoy your favorite cigarette after the browning’s done. Who cares if cholesterol results in heart disease? Eat that double bac...

This hill I live on has sort of been a demon of mine that I have been training to beat and I have finally done it.Time to attackKill the demon Ride the hill keep goingATTACKDrop the gear, hammer downRise from the saddleATTACKHalf way doneThe beast is steepAlmost at the topATTACKThe beast she won't win the Battle like beforeNot todayThe demon is MINE!Time to finish this Ride to the topNot going to stopATTACKSpin the crankT...