At last my trembling hands are calm:
My turn to lead!
And all my climbing fears are gone,
Indeed, indeed.

I will not pause before the crux,
It’s my ascent.
And there are neither grades nor routes
That can’t be sent!

Among the peaks that none have scaled
This one - for me.
Among the routes that were unveiled
This one - by me!

The names of fallen with respect
This snow will hide.
Among the lines of first ascents
Just one - but mine!

With cold blue glowing of its ice
The slope is lit.
A secret of your steps precise
These slabs will keep.

And I can glance into my dream
Above all heads.
And I believe that snow is clean
Like words of friends!

And let the future heal all wounds:
I can’t forget
How all my worries on the route
I had restrained.

How water whispered with intent:
"Good luck... to you!"
What month, what month was it back then?
Oh, yes, ‘twas June!