INTRO: I wrote this poem while travelling through Meander Valley at the foot of Cradle Mountain in northern Tasmania, Australia. It was that moment of awe, splendour, and majesty that a mountain top view offers. Looking out across other mountains and valleys toward the far distant horizon. We then descended to the valley below which was also awesome, splendid, and majestic in its own secret way. Beverley Joy
After a slow exhausting climb
To the top of the mountain peak
I stand in awe and breath in deep
The majestic sprawling landscape scene.
“How great is our God, in all the earth”
The words fall out in awesome praise
His might and splendour I can see
His presence felt in the early spring breeze.
I wish I could live in this euphoria
Then with a sigh, I say “Goodbye”
As I turn to navigate the steep decline
To the valley hidden far below.
An ancient wise old man once said
“Be a valley under heaven”
Why would he say be a valley?
Why not say be a mountain peak?
What secret does the valley hide?
I am intrigued for I’ve been told
Mountain peaks shout ‘victory’
Valleys whisper sorrow and peace.
A sparkling river meanders through
This peaceful valley scene
Quaint houses snuggly perched
Along the lush green valley ridge.
The afternoon sun paints a picture
Of various shades of green
Sweeping its brush through the valley
To a spray of horizon sunset colour.
I stop to breathe in this wonderful scene
The serenity sits heavy on my skin
Unimagined from the mountain peak
Now throwing shadows cold and bleak.
I look up and shiver at the mountain
That looms in the mystery behind me
I step into the sun’s warm ray
That welcomes me to the valley.
The rumble of the river entices me
To come and discover its secrecy
Hidden far below towering mountain peaks
Life in the valley, is plentiful and lush.
The snow that melts on the mountain tops
Instantly flows to the valley below
Raging uncontrollably it falls
With magnetic force to the valley floor.
Where flooding waters are controlled
Welcomed and received effortlessly
And forced to flow down rivers and creeks
To meet the valleys expected needs.
Weirs slow the powerful flow
Local farmers water their crops
Quench the thirst of animals and folk
Cleanse and replenish the valley below.
Valleys and mountain peaks exist
Side by side as opposites
One cannot exist without the other
And so, human life reflects that of nature.
When I walk through a valley in life
And the effects of bad weather flood my mind
I receive and accept the valley’s lesson
Its nourishment, its discipline, its direction.
God controls and directs His Living Water
That flows and roars loud and strong
Through the weir of my heart and soul
To flood my valley with His presence & peace.
To feed and nourish my heart and soul
To cleanse my thoughts, to quench my thirst
To grow my trust and love of Him
To remind me of His power and strength.
Then, when God’s Living Water calms
To a gentle meander and peaceful means
It sparkles in the warmth of His Son’s
Continuous grace, mercy and love.
Beverley Joy © 2013 of Simply Story Poetry. all Rights Reserved.
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