Climbing a steep cliff

Both hands grasping tightly at the crumbling rocks

Palms sweating

Muscles tense

Neck stretching upwards to the top of the cliff

Analyzing

The goal.

Choosing the most stable rock

Toes testing the weight upon it

Slowly rise up to another level

Heart pounding

No movement of the rocks

Another victory

Fingers reach out

Encouraged by the previous victory

Choosing to make a move for both feet this time

Stepping up, one foot

It's good

The other foot, following the lead

trying out the landing for firmness

1st second light,

2nd second moderate

3rd second ----

A big jolt, and down

Sweat washes over body

Hanging by two hands

Grasping as much surface area as possible

Elbows locked, staring down

A sea of jagged boulders

Swaying with the wind

A tight knot forms

Deep into the stomach

Tears stream down

Grieving for the 2 seconds that were lost.

Every move and every turn creates an impact. Be careful.

Guest Post by 

Amy Luo

"

In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments; there are consequences." - Robert Green Ingersoll