A Poem for the Climbing Bum

[Matt]

"Life in the world is but a big dream;

I will not spoil it by any labor or care."

So saying, I was drunk all day,

Lying helpless at the porch in front of my door.

When I woke up I looked into the garden court;

A single bird was singing among the flowers.

I asked myself, what season is this?

Restless the oriole chatters in the spring breeze.

Moved by its song I began to sigh

And, as wine was there, I filled my own cup.

Noisily singing I waited for the moon to rise;

When my song was over, all my sense had gone.

 

---Li Po, "Waking from Drunkeness on a Spring Day"

 

[catbirdseat]

In reply, here is a poem I am sure many of you have seen already, but I really like it.

 

Ode to a Pink Tricam

 

Oh Pink's the one I love to place

when I'm alone way up in space

on some exposed and airy face.

They sink where other gear won't go.

When all you've got is manky pro,

This tricam saves your butt from woe.

 

But it's often hard to get them out;

They make your second moan and shout

And wave his nut tool 'round about

 

But that's why you're the one on lead

Your problems are a different breed

As long as someone does the deed...

 

"Oh quit your whimpering," you rumble,

"And get it out or there'll be trouble"

"Get to work now, on the double!"

 

Although it sometimes takes a while,

They do come out with vim and guile,

(or chiselling and curses vile.)

 

Pink will do what all the rest.

Won't do when they're put to the test.

Oh pink tricams are just the best!

 

-- Charles "Pinky" Danforth

 

Source: http://fuse.pha.jhu.edu/~danforth/climb/sinkthepink.html

[Dr_Flash_Amazing]

Climbers are calloused and chalky

Takes more balls than fishing or ice hockey

But bro, yes indeed

It looks like it's your lead

-- the next pitch is runout, loose and blocky