A Hiker’s Hymn

If life is a mountain

as we hike to the top,

take time to ponder,

take time to stop.

In the morn of the day

the grass dripping dew

or deep star bright night

the day’s trail now through,

think on the joys

with the meadow your bed

think on the struggles that

yet lay ahead.

Deep forest glens

moss covered logs

deer in the distance

glimpsed through the fog,

lakes like diamonds

dark deep and cold,

brisk water chills

and tingles the bold.

See trees bowed by wind

gnarled and burled

while lofty green giants

look down on the world.

Consider the majesty

the beauty, the growth

they differ in stature

but worthy are both.

With each step you take

long the trail day by day

new wonders appear 

and you joyously pray,

thankful for meadows

lush valleys of green

rainbows of flowers

bright splashes you’ve seen.

It’s but once in a lifetime

such vistas you catch,

visions yet future

bright tomorrows to match.

Now the way’s boulder strewn

demanding terrain

and the body is weak

feeling the strain.

Next lies ahead of us

wet swampy trails.

‘Neath the weight of a pack

your legs seem to fail.

We’re up on the saddle

we snatch a short break

as gentle snow falls

in soft lacy flakes.

Though we may feel alone

we really are not,

for others have paused here

on this lofty spot.

There are those up in front

setting the pace

and those yet behind

with switchbacks to face.

See crisp fields of snow,

bright blinding white.

Hear cries of the wind

through dark drenching night.

Looking forward to that

which yet lies ahead

we joy to the challenge

on the path that we tread.

Swift frothy streams

and dizzying falls,

sharp craggy peaks

we thrill to them all.

Down water chutes

we gleefully slide

‘cross narrow bridges

we carefully glide.

Life’s a trail to the summit

with short stops to rest.

We rejoice in the future

and give of our best.

© 1997 Rebecca Stewart