Green Boots, by Carol McMahon

"Green Boots", Indian climber who died on the Northeast Ridge of Mt. Everest in 1996. photo Wikimedia Commons, Maxwelljo40.

Green Boots
(For Tsewang Paljor and the other lost members of the expedition)

Perhaps there are places we are not 
meant to go despite the allure of the
untouched and untamed. Are all indulgences
rightfully ours? Wasn’t Lot’s wife proof
that we’re not always at liberty to see?

I’m sure you didn’t mean to end 
your life as a landmark. Since ‘96, 
your green Koflach boots a warning 
to others: Everest takes, whether you are 
willing to give, or not. In an alcove 
made of limestone, climbers use you 
as a gauge. How much farther to the summit--
how much closer to God?

Carol McMahon

Carol McMahon is a teacher and poet who has been published in various journals (Prodigal, IthacaLit, Unlost Journal, The Wild Word, Blue Collar Review) and has a chapbook, On Any Given Day, published by FootHills Press. McMahon received an MFA in Poetry from the Rainier Writing Workshop in Washington State and when not teaching, reading or writing can be found out trail-running or on the water rowing.