Late for the 4th but for our nation....

Journeying Well    

  

Mountain beyond mountain-

all places we must go

Mountain beyond the one I'm climbing

preparing me, you know…

Mountain after mountain

each journey worth the climb

Mountain peak and mountain view

each one special, each one new

Horizon after horizon-

all calling me to push

venturing beyond what is safe

with limit after limit breached

and all upon this dusty foot…

Sunset after sunset

with color that never pales

Until I reach my resting place

pressing, I will prevail.

Mountain after mountain peak

and singing all the way

What I see from the valley fair

is calling out to me.

Mountains, limitless mountains

all standing in a row

Like soldiers they remind me of

places I have yet to go.

Glory upon glory

and wonders all around

I stand and gaze on mountain peaks

for this is hallowed ground.

Mountain after mountain peak

and pressing all the way

with story upon story to tell

I must be leaving-on my way.

Fair mountain you are a friend to me

I tuck you near my heart

Calling out to travelers everywhere

to up and run, to leave...depart!

Shake off the dust of yesteryear

And breath in something new

Fair mountain with one hid behind

is calling out to you...

So pack then, lightly friend-

brave travelers alike

And we will feast on mountain airs

on this, our lofty hike.

Soldier on, yes soldier on

and we will greet the day

Standing where our ancestry stood

stalwart, come what may.

Mountain fair, O Mountain friend

to you we rise and sing

all gathered 'round

as children clad

receive this-our offering.

Mountain looming, mountain next

to you we must away

and stand where our tomorrow shines

brighter than our yesterday.

Fair mountain on horizon, towering

you beckon to me and call...

I will conquer and upon you stand

for you are fairest of them all!

Arise, O slumbering nations!

and enter into rest...

Banishing strife and your warring cease

to receive this-our Maker's very best...

For we each are gentle warriors

on this, our Earthly home;

each precious day a gift on display

to unwrap, to discover and to humbly hold.

And treat this one time journey

just like a loving child...

held so sweetly to your breast

never left soiled, tired--undressed

And with a lightness in your step

run free, run brave, and run wild. 

© K. Annie Powell