Cragmen

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      Sometimes I would get into an exercise kick at college. In late afternoon I would take a break from studying and go over to Harmon Gym. There was almost always one bench-press machine available and I set it up to lift 135 pounds, got onto the contraption, and pressed 10 sets of ten lifts. Afterwards, pumped full of endorphins, I'd meet up with my buddy Paul Panepinto to run the par course.
      The bench-presses were a picnic compared to doing the par course. Some of the exercise stations had workouts that were impossible; virtually all meant that I had to haul myself out of my wheelchair and onto the bench or other equipment.
      "C'mon, that was only 10 sit ups, Kline," my pal would say. "Only 40 more!" If I complained, Paul would tap his head. "It's all up here. Will-power, perseverance. C'mon, I'll give you a break: only thirty more!"
      To my mind, our levels of true grit are highest when our visions, dreams, and ideals are joined with the strength we find deep within. This is true whether we are climbing Mount Capitan, writing a 30,000-word thesis, or surviving--even conquoring--another day at the office.

Cragsmen

Because this trek assumes its steepest slope
as goals draw near,
let perseverance be our pulse.
Driven by vision,
persistence lends will,
self-perception the requisite ignition.

An indomitable
strength of will is realized
through resolution of vision and heart.
This iron makes virtually anything achievable
as we become
cragsmen on this grand journey.

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Copyright 2001, Gary Kline 512

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.	Sometimes I would get into an exercise kick at college. In late afternoon I would take a break from studying and go over to Harmon Gym. There was almost always one bench-press machine available and I set it up to lift 135 pounds, got onto the contraption, and pressed 10 sets of ten lifts. Afterwards, pumped full of endorphins, I'd meet up with my buddy Paul Panepinto to run the par course. The bench-presses were a picnic compared to doing the par course. Some of the exercise stations had workouts that were impossible; virtually all meant that I had to haul myself out of my wheelchair and onto the bench or other equipment. "C'mon, that was only 10 sit ups, Kline," my pal would say. "Only 40 more!" If I complained, Paul would tap his head. "It's all up here. Will-power, perseverance. C'mon, I'll give you a break: only thirty more!" To my mind, our levels of true grit are highest when our visions, dreams, and ideals are joined with the strength we find deep within. This is true whether we are climbing Mount Capitan, writing a 30,000-word thesis, or surviving--even conquoring--another day at the office. Cragsmen Because this trek assumes its steepest slope as goals draw near, let perseverance be our pulse. Driven by vision, persistence lends will, self-perception the requisite ignition. An indomitable strength of will is realized through resolution of vision and heart. This iron makes virtually anything achievable as we become cragsmen on this grand journey.	.