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Cliffhanger Rock climbing up the snowy ledges toward the cave of fear on the edge why?--to achieve (symbolic) success. Is it worth it? space Boots step carefully slowly steep, narrow pockets where snow at least is firmer than rock or moss space Steps appearing forward, with closer view step by step...it could be possible... this is about accomplishment, positive thinking-- ...right? but no. One slip... space Turning back the way I came (thinking of avalanche victims ten dead in recent weeks) another opening...try again? Space The inner voice: No. Just fear? Why risk it? I could go around. (Flash to deer intuition--I felt a voice not to go on that highway, but discounted it, irrational...went a little farther around a curve and wham!--she (pregnant, in April) veered full speed into the front fender--killed.) space I do go around: the easy way, back end of ridge-top look down the way up I would have come: steep, forbidding snowy access to the west. Space Now I can enjoy the view ...friends in Nepal, seeing five of the ten highest peaks, at once! (the easier way, trekking) I reflect: adventure, heroism? --why? Challenge, risk, adrenaline pride. Symbolic of achievement, success worthiness...yet leaves question ...was it worth it? space From there I walk on up the hill toward my original destination ...the cave. Should I continue? Nah. Why not? There's no computer in the cave. Space © Nowick Gray 31 January 1998

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