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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contest: Pinnacle Sponsor: Anthony Slausen

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Richard Lamoureux

Date: 10/14/2014 8:50:00 PM

So good to see this beauty in the top ten.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/15/2014 10:29:00 AM

Thank you Richard; if I remember rightly your entry did you proud, too. // paul

Nette Onclaud

Date: 10/12/2014 2:37:00 PM

you rise high with this impressive artwork, paul... a round of cheers on your fine win!

Paul Callus
Date: 10/12/2014 2:46:00 PM

Hi Nette! Thank you for stopping by with lovely feedback. Your visits are always welcome. // paul

Debbie Guzzi

Date: 10/11/2014 4:20:00 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
Date: 10/11/2014 4:48:00 PM

Many thanks Debbie; enjoyed your visit and lovely comments; also enjoyed reading your villanelle! Have a nice weekend. // paul

Pandita Sietesantos

Date: 10/11/2014 12:15:00 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
Date: 10/11/2014 2:34:00 PM

Thank you Pandita; enjoyed your insightful comments and congrats. Your every visit is much appreciated. // paul

Jan Allison

Date: 10/11/2014 11:39:00 AM

Dropping back with my congrats Paul:-) hugs Jan xxx

Paul Callus
Date: 10/11/2014 2:31:00 PM

Thank you Jan; much appreciated. hugs // paul

Brenda Meier-Hans

Date: 10/11/2014 10:24:00 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
Date: 10/11/2014 3:00:00 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

Date: 10/11/2014 9:27:00 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
Date: 10/11/2014 2:37:00 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

Date: 10/11/2014 8:32:00 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
Date: 10/11/2014 2:57:00 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

Date: 10/7/2014 1:55:00 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
Date: 10/7/2014 3:26:00 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

Date: 10/6/2014 2:25:00 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
Date: 10/7/2014 3:38:00 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

Date: 10/6/2014 1:32:00 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
Date: 10/7/2014 3:34:00 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

Date: 10/5/2014 6:50:00 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
Date: 10/7/2014 2:55:00 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

Date: 10/3/2014 8:35:00 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
Date: 10/7/2014 3:29:00 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

Date: 10/3/2014 9:59:00 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
Date: 10/3/2014 1:50:00 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

Date: 10/3/2014 5:14:00 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
Date: 10/3/2014 1:52:00 PM

You got both assumptions right, John; the quoted line happens to be my favourite one, too. Thanks for stopping by. // paul

Jan Allison

Date: 10/3/2014 2:32:00 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
Date: 10/3/2014 1:56:00 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

Date: 10/3/2014 1:45:00 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
Date: 10/3/2014 12:09:00 PM

You read into it well Olive_eloi! Thank you for the "like':) Hugs // paul

Tim Smith

Date: 10/2/2014 11:40:00 PM

Nice one Paul...I like the imagery from green to Icy...good luck Tim

Paul Callus
Date: 10/3/2014 1:04:00 PM

Thank you Tim...I see you were following me all the way! Glad you enjoyed. // paul

Frederic Parker

Date: 10/2/2014 6:46:00 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
Date: 10/3/2014 2:00:00 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