Cost

Both were called Jenny
one a good friend of a decade
the other acquaintance of two years
not yet classified
could become a solid chapter
or
slip to footnote.

In the Alpine club it was said
there were old climbers
and bold climbers
but no old, bold climbers.
He was.
Legendary
first Englishman to stand atop Everest
many other notable firsts
this too
first visit to New Zealand.

Tickets
the probability of Wimbledon final
or Super Bowl.
$20 when $20 was one a half hours work.
Old Jenny is well-connected
knows the right people
thinks she can squeeze blood from a stone
yes please
two for us plus new Jenny if possible.
“Done.” She will meet us there.

The talk and slides astounding
white fangs of ridge
rotten granite pinnacles
sky hung ropes
protracted roll call of the dead.

Phew!
Coffee or wine before home
maybe both
some people’s lives: one crowded hour.
New Jenny wanting a souvenir
asks for her ticket
“Complimentary!”
Old Jenny giggles and leaves.
I feel like Judas’s brother.