Kilamanjaro
In a bar called “The Dirty Mug”
I had a drink with Hemingway.
He said,
“ordinary life is as flat
as the taste of whiskey soda
when the taste buds
have been burned off your tongue.”
I had to agree.
I was a discouraged writer then –
But this remarkable man
Encouraged me
Gave me the confidence I needed
To ascend to the top
Of Kilimanjaro
Carrying the carcass
Of a leopard
And gaze down upon
The House of God
With a craving for experience.
There was no rescue plane.
I have climbed this peak
“unbelievably white in the sun”
And I have a dead man to thank
For sharing his story.
A ghost's farewell
From across the table
An empty glass
Drained of vitality -
The one he raised high before
And in French announced,
“Il faut, d’abord durer.”
Savor the moment.
Lost Generation.
Visitation.
African sunset.
...
Copyright © August 2000 Jason S. Moore
All rights reserved
Tributes
Newer Poems
Fire Giver
Serendipity
“Il faut, d’abord durer”
...
First, one must endure...
(July 21st, 1899-1961)
His books errand him the Pulitzer Prize in 1953, and the Noble Prize in 1954. Ernest Hemingway died in 1961.
...
Newer Poems
Fire Giver
Serendipity
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Twilight of the Gods
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