McKinley Expedition: Delaney and Team Wait out Winds at 11,000’
Posted by: Jack Delaney, Jess Wedel, Calvin Jiricko
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Windy Corner
By: Joanie Mayer Hope
11,000 Camp — Denali
On a mountain in the snow
Narrow cliff and rocks below
Waits a dreamer with a heavy heavy load
Shrouded summit in the sky
In the journey is the why
In the marrow of this life is sacrifice
Chorus
There is a place called Windy Corner which few will ever see
A passage from what was to what someday may be
Up at Windy Corner, steady steps gentle strength
Silhouettes of seekers, embrace the loss of living
Windy Corner is the place
Of acquiescence & of grace
Dare to fail, live to die, alone & loved
You must give all to get there
But but you may not succeed
Reckoning of wonder, earth’s breath under your wings
Chorus
There is a place called Windy Corner which few will ever see
A passage from what was to what someday may be
Up at Windy Corner steady steps & gentle strength
Silhouettes of seekers embrace the loss of living
Bridge
If the end of life is death
What is the meaning of success?
The legacy we leave
The sparks of joy we manifest?
The pain we heal?
The love we feel?
Adventures breached
Or summits reached?
The courage to jump fully in
Be naked in our humanness
Final Chorus
Up at Windy Corner steady steps & gentle strength
Silhouettes of seekers embrace the loss of living
