The top was sheathed in cloud
from the outset
the highest of the Northern Fells
over 3000 ft.
I wondered whether
it would be suitable for kids
but the path is broad
affording no great danger.
The initial ascent was challenging
a roadway to the sky
and then the peak of Jenkin Hill
inviting
led to the top of Little Man
a long, frozen descent framed by a fence
of snow, hardened by winds and waves of
stinging night-frosts.
The final ascent
into the upper realm was calm,
where only ravens soared and all
was ice and mist, and otherworld:
Vast chasms, only visible as echo,
yawned below. The children grew afraid
I kept them close
we reached the frozen summit,
descended, tired
with aching legs,
and hearts the happier
to know and love this place.
© 2023 experimentsinfiction.com. All Rights Reserved.
Written for dVerse
This evening, I host dVerse for the final time, and I ask you to write poetry of place and space. Last week, I set out to climb a mountain I have climbed several times, but not for many years. This time, I took my children with me!
I love the sense of a safe adventure… it is great to feel some small fear, and then getting back safely again..
Yes – I knew this was a relatively safe mountain to climb with children, despite the feelings of height and exposure!
Love this description: “Vast chasms, only visible as echo,” Sounds so very exhilirating! And brave!
It was a great adventure, and reasonably safe! 😉
what an adventure! Breathtaking photo, lovely share! 🤩
Thank you, Tricia – I appreciate your visit 🙂
Enjoyed! 💗
This is gorgeous, gorgeous writing, Ingrid! 😀 I especially admire; “The final ascent into the upper realm was calm, where only ravens soared and all was ice and mist.” 💖💖💖
I am glad you enjoyed it, Sanaa – thank you 🙂
It’s good to share those special places with those you love. (K)
The best feeling 🙂
Okay, this hit me right in the heart. I have loved nature all of my life, and loved hiking until I could not do it anymore due to arthritis. My father taught me to love exploring the wilderness and I have alway found peace there, even when it seems to be no place else. Just a wonderful portrait of a place you love.
–Shay
I agree: that’s my surefire way of finding peace when nothing else is working. I’m trying to teach my kids this valuable lesson.
a fence
of snow, hardened by winds and waves of
stinging night-frosts.
Glad your expedition was in daytime! A wonderful evocation of awe/fear yet safety. Thank you, Ingrid.
Oh yes, it would be a bad idea to do this walk at night, unless by moonlight in Summer!
This poem made me want to climb a mountain. (And I don’t like climbing mountains!) I hope your surgery goes well.
Thank you Liz 🙂
You’re welcome, Ingrid. 🙂
I know this kind of place, Ingrid; even wrote about my own in response to this marvelous prompt, for which we all thank you deeply. I don’t visit there much (ie ever) in the winter, though…can’t imagine the silenter silence that must reign up there, lost in the deepest snow.
Loved your tour. Thanks.
My pleasure, Ron – thanks for your visit 🙂
What a wonderful sight in that final ascent, to marvel the ravens, the mist and the otherworld.
Thank you for your time with us at dVerse.
My pleasure, Grace, thank you 🙂
I really liked, “Vast chasms, only visible as echo,” I was reading about synesthesia this morning and that connection of vision and sound really works here.
I never thought of it as synesthesia, but yes, you are right!
Exhilarating!
Thanks Misky!
Sounds like a stern but captivating place Ingrid. Farewell my friend… happy trails. ✌🏼🫶🏼
Thank you, Rob, and all the best!
What a magnificent place! The presence of the children – and ravens, brought it beyond landscape.
It is, indeed! Thank you for your kind words 🙂
A wonderful story filled with many vivid memories! You are brave to hike the mountain in the snow!
Thank you Dwight! It wasn’t heavy snow, so we didn’t need any special equipment 🙂
Looks like it was a great day!
This ‘Place’ sounds delectable, I would like to make that climb and see the view. That happened to us at the Big Bend Ranch State Park, the largest Texas park by the Rio Grande, wondering “whether it would be suitable for kids but the path is (was) broad.” It would still be fine for us old folk as well.
Best wishes for the work assignment. We will miss you. And thank you for hosting still and for this wonderful prompt.
..
Thank you kindly 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the prompt!
“Vast chasms, only visible as echo,
yawned below.” – I like the anthropomorphosism.
Reminds me of the Grand Canyon.
Thank you Tzvi!
I love everything about this, Ingrid! The adventure, your gorgeous phrases, the family bond, the image. Wonderful experiencing it through your words. 👏🏻🏔️
You are so kind, Michele, thank you!
You are welcome. Many mountains to climb. Enjoy the view!
What an exhilarating experience for the kids! And for you doubly so. You took us with you, Ingrid. ❤️
Aww, thanks Punam ❤️
You are so welcome. 😊
We can pass on love of place as well as love of things.
I think it’s a good thing to pass on!
Wow, what a gorgeous view from the summit! I am moved by your words and in love with the imagery of this poetic experience.
Thank you so much, Layla!
“Vast chasms, only visible as echos”
What a line! Truly a spectacular place, Ingrid. Your children must be so brave!
Thanks for sharing this journey with us.
Spectacular it is, indeed! Thank you, Jay!
So beautiful, Ingrid! It’s wonderful you could share this experience with your children. 💙
Thank you, Merril – it was 🙂
You’re welcome, Ingrid!
Beautiful adventure.
Happy you dropped by my blog.
Much💜love
Thank you Gillena 🙂
“A roadway to the sky” … you made it all come alive, Ingrid.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Helen!
Your lovely poem is very inspiring and the photo is lovely! Bravo! I think that is an expedition your sons will always remember fondly. <3 Your poem brought back memories.
About forty years ago, I took my girl scout troop, to which my daughter belonged, on a mountain hike in the snow. We then stopped at a gym for a swim in the indoor pool. We got home a little late, and I think some parents may have been worried! I probably should not have taken such a hike with someone else's children, though I raised my own children to be adventurous!
That also sounds like a wonderful adventure, Cheryl! Thank you for reading and sharing 🙂
All the best with your surgery, Ingrid. <3
Lovely description felt I was there with you <3
Thank you kindly 🙂
Beautiful write, Ingrid. I am now reading the book, Annapurna. It’s an amazing book. Your poem reminds me of it. Wishing you a gorgeous weekend!
Thanks Jeff: that sounds like an interesting book!