Climbing Bong Cave

high. on the crag.

crevice. dark. unknown.

unfelt. barely seen.

deep? dangerous?

stick a hand in. do it.

like you have to. people. pushing.

in the dark. behind you.

hold yr breath. feel it.

sandstone. and? before your skin

rubs against it. you sink down. into it.

anticipation. electricity.

reaching. in the dark.

with all yr invisible antennae.

your gathered senses.

make fingertips of lightning.

in the darkness.

crackle and hiss. wind borne dust.

kicked up. crevice making space.

pushing us back.

blown like a bucking horse. upward.

turn your head. quick. move your face.

tiny percussions. on your scalp. your squint.

time to use your legs now. time to go.

now your back. make it. hold tight.

face toward the stars.

move up. into the night river. wind.

push. focused.

exhaling.