Mauna Loa, Mauna Loa,
Few have tamed you.
It’s a long traipse to the top—so many miles.
Try it only if you’re boldly
Unashamed to
Tackle Mauna Loa’s ranging lava piles.

Oh those piles can rend foot covers; Mauna Loa’s
Basalt bangs your boots and tears the soles apart.
Many dream of ascending, but sore steps
Say, don’t try there; you might die there!
You’ve been warned: you will feel Mauna Loa’s
Thin air that’s cold, so only husky folks should start.

[altimetrical instrument interlude]

Oh those piles can rend boot covers; Mauna Loa’s
Basalt grabs your heels and tears your toes apart.
Many dream of ascending. . .a sore schlep.
If you die there, it’s “goodbye” there.
You’ve been warned: you can’t breathe Mauna Loa’s
Thin air that’s cold, so only think ere you depart.

Mauna Loa, man don’t go-a!