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Upon the highest mountain I found an icy hut; A lonely man was within, His door was never shut. "Meet the world," were his words, "And see a view so far." We stepped out with the birds, And floated near to star. My arms swung out in surprise As my feet left surer ground. When I calmed my dancing eyes, There were things that did astound. To the south was some water, Lake or Sea I do not know; But it did brightly glimmer With such light that I did glow. To the north lay a plain, Which did go ever on. Changing sights did it gain; Each one came, then was gone. To the east and to the west, The mountains did continue. Where they stopped I only guessed, They all did fade to sky-blue. Just below me was the peak, Surrounded in a cloudy wreath. Once again did he speak, To tell me of what lay beneath. "Toward the future can you dream, And look into an endless realm." As I looked at snow-white gleam, The thin crisp air did overwhelm. "The events exhilarate, And the sights do impress; But try not to stay too late, For it all might regress. "The snow though it glistens Can treacherous ground be; Frostbites those missing mittens, Avalanches to the sea. "Enjoy it while you will, This place is of great reknown. Never forget, if you will, There is up because of down." |
I sobered myself in the hut, And then did take my leave. I scampered down a rocky jut, A new course for to weave. The path wound slowly lower, To where a spring wet the land. Soon grass grew greatly greener, And golden sun shone so grand. As the path dove deeper, Light was lost in high boughs; The water clouded darker; Singing birds would not rouse. Then in the deepest valley A bent old hag I espied. Her curving back was to me, Yet I knew that she cried. I had found a fallen log, Upon which vines did grimly creep. As I sat beside the bog, I asked her, "Why do you weep?" Startled she was to hear my voice; She swung her head to see my face. "Wherefore should I rejoice; Will it bring bows or lace? "Little grows in this sunken land; Flowers, grasses, luscious fruit, All do turn to dusty sand. Only weeds do here suit. "Even with you, I feel alone; This ravine does so smother. If I wail or if I moan, A problem just becomes another." The air hung deathly still; Water dripped to stagnant pools. Just then my bones did chill As I thought, "There are no rules." Then her eyes briefly brightened As she mentioned something fair. "Down here are some things heightened; Learning lessons is not rare." A surge of hope came to my mind, When I two thoughts did connect. High and low can each other find, Gaining both bad and good effect. |
I took the woman by the hand, From the valley to guide her. When we reached where sea meets land, Then on the sand I left her. I rushed back to the mountain hut To grab hold of the wizened man. He thought that I must be a nut, As we to the flat beach ran. Finally after all those years, Could he and she for each other care. In a place which the mind clears, Did they both high and low share. As they both cried and laughed, I set out on my way; For on the shore was a craft Which beckoned me not to stay. So I set foot on its sturdy deck And hoist the flowing sail aloft. Soon the beach was a distant speck Beneath the glowing sunset soft. Through the night did I sail, Entirely by whim of sea. When the dawn broke through pale, A quiet beach lay before me. The wooden bottom rubbed aground; I threw my body to the shore. Sleep engulfed my mind around And to my dreams an open door. I awoke to the sweetest scent And soft caresses on my back. I turned to see what it meant; Who it was with such a knack. Then did I find my true love, One so opposite but so like me; Her soul was sent from high above, So harmonious to my psyche. Since have we hiked to high peaks And down to dark valleys too; Gladly more highs for all the weeks But even if not, I'd still love you.
15 April 1986 |