Home » Poems » Agnes Krampe » Rock Climbing Bliss

Rock Climbing Bliss

My hands caress the curious shapes And search for hidden cracks and nooks Like blind men touch a lover’s face. At last a probing finger hooks Around the slender sandstone waist Of a small pillar. On a ledge I stand on tip toe. High above My fingertips just reach an edge That juts out sharply. And I crimp And hold the tenuous grip and pull. I jam my foot right in a crack, And lift my body. I am full Of joy and happiness. I climb! The bloody knuckles and scraped knees Don’t matter. As I near the top My hair is waving in the breeze. For contest A Body of Work Sponsored by Viv Wigley Body parts used (in order of appearance): Hands, face, finger, waist, toe, fingertips, foot, knuckles, knees, hair

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Line Gauthier

Date: 7/20/2018 7:58:00 AM

Rock climbing is definitely your element, Agnes. How beautifully you convey your bliss. Bravo.

Jan Allison

Date: 10/7/2016 5:18:00 PM

I know how much you love walking and rock climbing so the theme is perfect for your poem:-) many congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx

Agnes Krampe
Date: 10/9/2016 8:41:00 PM

Thank you, Jan. Yes, lots of body parts needed for climbing :)

Joseph May

Date: 10/7/2016 9:15:00 AM

Beautiful poem...Congrats on your win!

Agnes Krampe
Date: 10/9/2016 8:41:00 PM

Thank you, Joseph.

Sandra Haight

Date: 10/7/2016 8:44:00 AM

I love this, Agnes! Wonderfully written, and since our son and his wife are mountain climbers, I definitely know your joy in meeting the challenges in this sport. Congratulations on your fine placement in the contest.

Sandra Haight
Date: 10/10/2016 4:25:00 PM

They live in Virginia and do some climbing and hiking there and also in New Hampshire now. But they did so many other places all over while they were in the Army. They love the outdoors and stay very active.

Agnes Krampe
Date: 10/9/2016 8:40:00 PM

Thank you, Sandra. Where do your son and daughter in law climb?

Lu Loo

Date: 10/7/2016 7:59:00 AM

well done Agnes with this fine poem! congratulations on your placement :)-luloo

Agnes Krampe
Date: 10/9/2016 8:40:00 PM

Thank you, luloo.

Viv Wigley

Date: 10/7/2016 12:30:00 AM

Congrats , Agnes, a fine piece. Thanks for entering my contest. Viv x

Agnes Krampe
Date: 10/7/2016 6:48:00 AM

Thank you so much, Viv - I am glad you liked my poem.

Lewis Raynes

Date: 9/18/2016 6:32:00 PM

what a great little write Agnes, I like this topic and these thoughts. Good luck in the contest :). Lewis

Agnes Krampe
Date: 9/18/2016 8:15:00 PM

Thanks, Lewis. Climbing is one of my favorite things to do.

Barry Stebbings

Date: 9/13/2016 5:31:00 AM

I enjoyed this well written poem on an unusual subject, Agnes. Good luck with the contest. Barry.

Agnes Krampe
Date: 9/13/2016 10:59:00 AM

Thank you, Barry.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/10/2016 10:05:00 AM

wow, I think this one is going to make the cut! I love your use of enjambment between stanzas. I don't see many people use that wonderful device even between lines of poetry within a stanza. I think it is a great thing to do for a poem's flow . I surely would like to see this one on the winners' list!

Agnes Krampe
Date: 9/10/2016 4:55:00 PM

Thanks, Andrea, and thanks for your nice comment about the enjambment. I purposely did this because that's what climbing feels like: once you start, you have to reach for handholds and step on knobs where you find them and cannot take measured pauses; the rock drives you and you have to keep going until there is a suitable spot to take a breath. I am thrilled you noticed :)

Caycay Jennings

Date: 9/9/2016 9:41:00 PM

Well done, Agnes - darn creative and enjoyable. Good luck in all things ... CayCay

Agnes Krampe
Date: 9/9/2016 9:47:00 PM

Thanks, CayCay.