UKC

Hopefall

From dawn to dusk—and earlier, and later—
we spun our new line up towards the skies,
shadows of movement in the greater silence,
a quiet but shared ardour in our eyes,
while sunlight danced from snow to loch to sea.

And then the got-it moment met our hope: 
the angle fell away and the rest was white,
a walk-up to the summit, trailing ropes,
the black crag overcome, and the plan come right.

But if a fault appeared then and gaped open
and widened till it swallowed you and me,
tripped up, ensnared and swamped, so quickly taken—

that does not mean our partnership was broken;
does not annul the trust that set us free;
and does not take the sunlight from the sea.

Andy Nisbet and Steve Perry
Ben Hope, Sutherland, 5th February 2019

SGC 8.2.19

In reply to Sophie G.:

That, Sophie, is beautiful. Thank you.

In reply to Sophie G.:

It’s really nice that you took the time todo this.

In reply to Sophie G.:

That brings tears to the eyes Sophie. Still struggle to believe it happened.

In reply to Sophie G.:

That is so sad and so beautiful.

In reply to Sophie G.:

That's beautiful Sophie x

In reply to bonebag:

Me too-off all the climbers I ever knew or heard about, Andy would be just about last on the list of random mishaps. RIP to both Andy and Steve.

In reply to Sophie G.:

Perfectly put.

In reply to Sophie G.:

Beautiful

In reply to Sophie G.:

Very moving. Thanks for posting

In reply to Sophie G.:

Beautiful poem. A fine tribute.

In reply to IM:

Exceptional wonderful 

In reply to Sophie G.: well done Sophie. Very touching.  I haven't met you yet but Andy often spoke to me about you. We must remedy that some time. Best wishes Alfie. 

In reply to Sophie G.:

Well done Sophie. Very touching. I have not met you yet but Andy often spoke of you. We must remedy that sometime. My very best wishes, Alfie. 

In reply to Alfrede:

Thank you, Alfie. You'll see me on the 20th. I think there might be quite a throng--but I'm not usually very hard to pick out. I look forward to meeting you.

SGC