Summit

intimidating serrated crest emulates Ansel's view challenges down-clad one to climb her stretch-marked belly a gaze upward at silver glazed wall the glacial rock face mirrors reflection filigree flakes dissolve on the tongue boot prints sink crackle the earth snow-white evergreens sovereigns at treeline bark shushing commands silencing animals knurled branches dangle icicle prisms sun-spotted glister blinds vision of peril jagged shards cleave ragged gashes rake skin rocks amass between boulders force grueling detours precarious pitons frostbitten feet belay icy sheer as senseless hands fail halo-lit cloud's enveloping haze shadows fickle crevasses that repel gaffs clawed to the summit stand exhausted raise stiffened arms roar echo of triumph