The Spirit of Adventure

Tales told, spilled drinks, bubbling laughter:

Of wet, tired bodies, of freezing fear.

You’ve done nothing until you’re warm, after

Dizzying drops, avoiding disaster,

Snow, ice and cliffs uncomfortably near.
Tales told, spilled drinks, bubbling laughter

Struggling, wishing your pack was lighter,

Feet slogging, grinding like a broken gear

You’ve done nothing until the warm times after

The mountain proves that she’s your master

Wettest, coldest day of the year

Tales told, spilled drinks, bubbling laughter

Rushing water; swimming is longer

Rapids hidden in water most unclear

You’ve done nothing until the warm times after

Icy pints, antlers in the rafters

Roaring fire, fresh socks, dry clothes are here.

Drinks spill, tales told with bubbling laughter

of adventures, now you’re warm and it’s after.