Dear Climbing

Dear Climbing,

From the moment
I pulled on my first pair of hand-me-downs
And winced at the tightness
Clambering awkwardly upward
Then along the walls
I knew one thing was rea:

I fell in love with you

So deep this connection was, that you've changed everything
From my body, my mind
To my life and soul

It was back in '04
When I first laid my hands on you
I was fresh out of the service
Keen as punch
Ready for a new life

You took me in
You showed me how uneducated
My mind and body were apart
You showed me what I could do
If I only learnt your ways
And learnt to be as one

Since then I've climbed through sweat and hurt
Not because you were unkind
But because I was impatient
You showed me how to be more
I wanted to be more
The world was filled with magic again
Because you've given me wings

You ended a young man's search for meaning
And I will always love you for it
I know that even if I can't go on forever
I will still dedicate my every movement
Each hold I touch
Each foot I grind
It will be my longest kiss goodbye

If I should go, or find that I can't go on
That's ok - I'm ready to let you go
Because love doesn't keep score
And neither did you
You've been the fairest and the kindest
I've given you my all
We both have

We both know, no matter what comes next
I will always be that young man
With the crooked finger
And a pair of hand-me-downs
Chalk scrubbed across my hands
Waiting, wanting
To jump on your walls

Love you always,
Madpoet