Free soloing

When, they say, not if.

Will it be today?

Time draws on relentlessly.

Rock towers above.

Crags of grey and brown.

A summit obscured from sight.

Dull blue, green smudges.

The fuzzy blur spins.

Look ahead, but not behind.

Chalk. Sweat, blood. More chalk.

Limbs tire, digits ache.

To rest is to fall and die.