Young Writers Project is a creative, online community of teen writers and visual artists that started in Burlington in 2006. Each week, VTDigger publishes the writing and art of young Vermonters who post their work on youngwritersproject.org, a free, interactive website for youth, ages 13-19. To find out more, please go to youngwritersproject.org or contact Executive Director Susan Reid at sreid@youngwritersproject.org; (802) 324-9538.
We’re quick to turn mountains into metaphors — what could be more natural? They so readily represent our dreams, up in the clouds, and the hundred small obstacles and thousand small steps between us. But when the summit is our destination as literally as it is figuratively, to conquer its peak is the ultimate triumph. This week’s featured poet, Tatum Raphael of Vergennes, writes about a climber drawing from an inner well of strength to scale the height of an icy cliff face and experience the pride of planting a flag.
Scaler
Tatum Raphael, 13, Vergennes
I clip my carabiner onto the hoop as I scale, icy breath blowing in my face.
I climb on.
I feel like retreating from this daunting task, the sky’s disappointed pelting of ice discouraging me.
I climb on.
I take a step and trip, catching myself as the rock falls with a thud.
I climb on.
I hear voices yelling, screaming, and talking. You’re wrong.
I climb on.
I see it face-to-face, an unforgiving self in the reflection in the ice.
I climb on.
I see the summit is nearing, and I hear the silence of the voices.
I climb on.
I reach over the ledge and pull myself up, planting my flag among others.
I stay there.
I take a break and look down at the challenges I've conquered.
I stay there.
I begin to repel as I realize what I've accomplished.
I descend.
I push myself down the mountain and see my reflection.
I am proud.
I hear the voices applaud and cheer.
I am content.
I step down to a foothold.
I am standing tall.
I get to the ground with my mind clear and fresh.
I am home.