In the desert in rains
In the desert climber brains
Can think of nothing but climbing
But climbing is not the answer
Climbing after a good rainstorm
Was the result of a bad brainstorm
Instagram has your mind warped
Get back to your conscious
Your common sense
Don’t take this sandstone for granite
It’s as delicate as a flower
And your power
You rock climber
Is magnificent
I know you, Supercrack climber
Love climbing
I love you, Indian Creek climber
And I love climbing too
But do you love it more
Than a broken hold
And broken bones
From pulled gear
Climbing after the rain
Comes from a place of fear
Or stupidity, I don’t get it
Actually I do.
I want to climb too
Climbing in the desert is more art, than sport
Philosophically, and intrinsically
We will get more out of it,
If we listen to nature and wait
This is a planet out of balance
But on the rock we find our balance
But why rush that?
Here’s a simple equation
It’s the opposite of copulation
Dry is good
Wet is no-gud (like the Banditos)
After every rainstorm
Take a good brainstorm
Or a rest day
Even if you don’t need
A rest day
Make it your best day
Drink some coffee
Drink some tea
Drink a beer
Smoke em if you got em
Yoga could be the answer
Make love it a tent
Or a long hike up a forgotten wash
Milt’s burgers are the bomb
And food trucks are all over in Moab
Find the wild turkeys
Or petroglyphs
Light a spliff
Look at flowers
Or trees, birds, please
This desert is full of wonder
And climbing is just another
Thing we do
It can’t be all we do
Wait a day
Build the fire
For sending
In ending
Just please trust me
And old D (for dirtbag)
Climbing In the desert
After the rain
Ain’t good for nobody’s brain.
Poem by Luke Mehall. Banner photo: Greg Cairns.
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About us: The Climbing Zine was started in 2010 by Al Smith III and Luke Mehall. It continues to the day with the mission of representing the true essence of climbing. Our crown jewel is our printed version, but we also do the interweb thing, and Kindle.
We have also published four books: Graduating From College Me, American Climber, The Great American Dirtbags and Climbing Out of Bed, written by publisher, Luke Mehall.
Check out our film, Last Thoughts on The Dirtbag, made with Cairns Film.