Paul Callus Poet Free verse

Pinnacle

Inviting and magnetic the towering awesome sight
A perspective of domineering rock and icy peaks
It challenges, dares and beckons with unfolding beauty
Stretching upwards into shades of blue and puffy clouds. 
Along the winding sloping trail I make my way, the easy
Lower tract encased in green, till rough terrain appears
Then stimulation is released when steep ascent arrives.
I climb and breathe the pure fresh air, intense intoxication
It is so peaceful all around, a place for meditation.
The time goes by. I look for holds and make full use of spikes 
Intent on concentration. The wind comes by and contributes
To the hazards of melting ice and hidden crevasses
The weary limbs in need of rest; a keen lookout for falling rocks
An avalanche of crumbling doubts that slows the pace... 
Subdued exhilaration when the going gets too hard.
At last the top is right above. An added burst of strength
Dispels the peril of defeat. One final forward thrust 
Victory is mine. The summit reached I gaze in awe
Surveying with pride my sprawling kingdom down below.

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Contest: Pinnacle
Sponsor: Anthony Slausen

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Richard Lamoureux October 14, 2014 at 8:50 PM So good to see this beauty in the top ten. Paul Callus October 15, 2014 at 10:29 AM Thank you Richard; if I remember rightly your entry did you proud, too. // paul

Nette Onclaud October 12, 2014 at 2:37 PM you rise high with this impressive artwork, paul... a round of cheers on your fine win! Paul Callus October 12, 2014 at 2:46 PM Hi Nette! Thank you for stopping by with lovely feedback. Your visits are always welcome. // paul

Debbie Guzzi October 11, 2014 at 4:20 PM You made me feel it, there's nothing like height to make one feel full & happy & safe. Congrad's on your win, Light & Love Paul Callus October 11, 2014 at 4:48 PM Many thanks Debbie; enjoyed your visit and lovely comments; also enjoyed reading your villanelle! Have a nice weekend. // paul

Pandita Sietesantos October 11, 2014 at 12:15 PM Well done, Paul! Congratulations on a wonderful win! This just goes to show that when we accept challenges and stay the course, victory is ours! Beautifully penned! Pandita Paul Callus October 11, 2014 at 2:34 PM Thank you Pandita; enjoyed your insightful comments and congrats. Your every visit is much appreciated. // paul

Jan Allison October 11, 2014 at 11:39 AM Dropping back with my congrats Paul:-) hugs Jan xxx Paul Callus October 11, 2014 at 2:31 PM Thank you Jan; much appreciated. hugs // paul

Brenda Meier-Hans October 11, 2014 at 10:24 AM This is the closest to a real climb, outside of Nette that I have read so far. I would of placed this much higher. Paul Callus October 11, 2014 at 3:00 PM That's very sweet and kind of you Brenda! I am so pleased that you think highly of this 'pinnacle'. Thank you. // paul

Maurice Yvonne October 11, 2014 at 9:27 AM Paul I am just back to congratulate you on your win for this marvelous write. I would of loved to see this higher on the list. Paul Callus October 11, 2014 at 2:37 PM You are, as always, a fount of encouragement, Maurice! Moving higher up the list would have meant climbing Mt Everest! Thank you my friend. // paul

Dr. Upma A. Sharma October 11, 2014 at 8:32 AM Such an awesome write Paul ! Inspires to have a desire to rise high, despite all rough n tough terrains that might oppose, congrats on wonderful win! Paul Callus October 11, 2014 at 2:57 PM Thank you for stopping by with lovely comments, Upma. Not all desires are attainable, but there is no harm in doing our best. If we lose belief, then we surely face defeat. // paul

Carolyn Devonshire October 7, 2014 at 1:55 PM Dear Paul, climbing this pinnacle is much like our journey through life. We are never quite sure what awaits at the top, but we have to make the most of every step along the way. Very vivid images throughout the entire poem. What a display of talent! A favorite for me as I have also used the mountain metaphor in poems, but not as well as you did. Surely a winner, my friend. Love, carolyn Paul Callus October 7, 2014 at 3:26 PM You are too kind and humble Carolyn! You are capable of climbing higher mountains than mine, and with less effort! Thank you for the insightful comments and fav. hugs // paul

Maurice Yvonne October 6, 2014 at 2:25 AM It is true you you take us on a journey with you from beginning to end. However the structural construction the smooth flow of your words and the unique imagery are equally as impressive. An absolute pleasure Paul, thank you. Paul Callus October 7, 2014 at 3:38 PM Many thanks Maurice...it's an absolute pleasure reading your comments! Glad you enjoyed it. // Just read your birthday wishes poem to Linda....very original...hope sitting is no problem:) // paul

Kelly Deschler October 6, 2014 at 1:32 AM "An avalanche of crumbling doubts that slows the pace".... That was a really great line, Paul. I enjoyed taking every step of this perilous journey with you, as I read your poem.... An amazing write, my friend. Good luck in Anthony's contest! Paul Callus October 7, 2014 at 3:34 PM Thank you Kelly for following me up this climb. (I didn't realize at the time that both you and Charm were in hot pursuit!) I am glad that it was a lovely and amazing experience for you, too. Your quote also happens to be my favourite line:) // paul

Charmaine Chircop October 5, 2014 at 6:50 PM Thanks for the journey..I climbed all way through your outstanding verse.I could feel the fear of doubt,the fresh air purifying my thought,and the victory of reaching the top.Last mountain We were trying to climb was the Torc mountain in Ireland.Darn got lost for about two hrs :.)..But looking back,I would have done it again :.).Awesome!! Paul Callus October 7, 2014 at 2:55 PM Thank you Charm for being a companion in this mountain climb....and pleased that you enjoyed it, too. // Mountain climbing does not have to be the professional type to give a thrill. There are 'easy' ones where narrow winding paths lead to the top, such as the Giant Mts in the Check Rep. Those were the first ones that I 'conquered'!! // paul

Justin Bordner October 3, 2014 at 8:35 PM A some point in every heroic man or woman's life they realize that they own the world, at least for a moment . This occurs in heart and soul when they reach a point that they truly believe, through Divine Inspiration, that their willpower and talent can override any obstacle or suffering. This great poem has reminded me of this truth Paul. The Alps of love. J.A.B. Paul Callus October 7, 2014 at 3:29 PM Thank you for stopping by Justin. I look forward to your comments which usually are a form of poetry in free verse! ..much appreciated. // paul

Richard Lamoureux October 3, 2014 at 9:59 AM I think I will keep my feet firmly planted on the ground, perhaps a tram to the top of the mountain but no ice climbing for this guy. Thanks for letting me climb from the comfort of my easy chair. Paul Callus October 3, 2014 at 1:50 PM Thanks for the visit Richard. At my age you'll not find me doing any mountaineering....I went up Mt Titlis 2 years ago, but that was by cable car (3 different ones to reach the summit). Still an exhilarating experience. // paul

John Lawless October 3, 2014 at 5:14 AM A wonderful adventure or a metaphor for life??? Hmmm. "an avalanche of crumbling doubts that slows the pace" a masterfully crafted line. Paul Callus October 3, 2014 at 1:52 PM You got both assumptions right, John; the quoted line happens to be my favourite one, too. Thanks for stopping by. // paul

Jan Allison October 3, 2014 at 2:32 AM I was with you every step of this journey Paul - brilliant descriptive write. I hope it does well for you in the contest:-) I especially can relate to the imagery in the final two lines Hugs jan xx Paul Callus October 3, 2014 at 1:56 PM Excellent comments Jan!! I like:) Ahhh I felt that rope pulling behind me...so it was not just Tim following me!:)) Glad you enjoyed the experience! hugs // paul

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser October 3, 2014 at 1:45 AM love it Paul.. :) it's true that doubts keeps stops us from trying, risking and discovering... :) but when we do learn to atop it then and then will see what comes next... :) inspirational... :)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D Paul Callus October 3, 2014 at 12:09 PM You read into it well Olive_eloi! Thank you for the "like':) Hugs // paul

Tim Smith October 2, 2014 at 11:40 PM Nice one Paul...I like the imagery from green to Icy...good luck Tim Paul Callus October 3, 2014 at 1:04 PM Thank you Tim...I see you were following me all the way! Glad you enjoyed. // paul

Frederic Parker October 2, 2014 at 6:46 PM I do hope this was written from an adventure, I've hiked mountains but never where I actually had to climb..sounds like it was fun..if you made it up then you got me it sounded real Paul Callus October 3, 2014 at 2:00 PM Hi Frederic....I have walked up mountains (even a volcano) but only as far as trails allow me to. When the going gets tough I gladly settle for a cable car/chair. Thanks for stopping by...glad you enjoyed the climb. // paul