I stare at you for long periods of time 

marveling 

admiring 

how such a design could come with no instructions 

 

    No desire to conquer you 

Every desire to explore you 

 

    To see where my hands can go 

where my feet can go 

 

    Each mountain has a specific foot placement 

fingertip placement 

 

I grip you as if my life depends on it 

because it does 

 

I breathe a certain breath 

 

All before the sun comes up 

 

The sun means sweat 

and sweat dripping on your structure 

is no good for this climb 

 

I first practice with equipment 

weight 

things that are safe 

and sturdy 

neatly writing down every scenario 

every possibility where I 

make it out alive 

 

I second practice with equipment 

weight 

things that are safe 

and sturdy 

neatly writing down every scenario 

every possibility where I 

make it out alive 

 

Your height 

your strength 

your structure 

the way you feel 

I have never seen 

anything like this before 

 

I believe I am prepared for all of this 

because I have spent my life climbing 

mountains that don't measure up to you 

 

Before the sun rises 

I approach you 

no chalk on hands 

 

Your figure 

frightens 

and fills me 

with passion 

it is intense 

 

I crave you 

 

Immensely 

 

each foot hold 

leads me closer 

 

I need you 

I need this 

 

Closer to the top 

I climb 

heart pounding 

pulse talking 

 

Closer to the top 

I climb 

this dance 

feels familiar 

but this technique 

is fresh 

out the box 

 

I pair your flesh 

with my face 

to understand 

how you breathe 

to understand 

what we have become