I met you climbing up a rugged hill
and, watching you, could see
you have the courage and the patient will
to face adversity.
The path was steep yet with a smile
you wiped the beads of sweat away.
You’ll hike on mile after mile
before the end of day.
And though you had a task at hand,
you paused with me and admired
the meadow view so vast and grand
it left us both inspired.
The summer heat was shimmering
and shadows swept the grassy plain
as sailing clouds were billowing
without a hint of rain.
We sat down on a level granite rock,
staying longer than we planned.
While resting there together we began to talk
and then to understand.
You seek serenity up high
and stillness in the mountain air,
the deep blue sweep of alpine sky
with sun-kissed snowpeaks bare.
I yearn to stir my heart once more
by traveling to the lower land
where flowers flood the forest floor
and quaking aspen stand.
Our trail mix beckons blue jays near
Our canteens slosh comradery.
As different as we might appear,
you seem so much like me.
At last a pebble shadow sundial face
tells us it is afternoon.
Our time together at that quiet place
is over all too soon.
I sat a spell and lingered there
recalling you, as you went on.
I stacked a pile of rocks with care
to mark the spot when gone.
And when your toil is finally done
and you have reached your mountain peak,
your hard-earned goal then being won–
the sense of peace you seek–
please use the simple stone display
to find that lovely meadow view.
I built the cairn to guide your way
and leave a sign for you.
I hope you’ll see those rocks I massed
to lead us to our middle ground,
where fears will fade and love will last,
and in our dreams we both are found.
I met you climbing up a rugged hill
as I was climbing down one day.
The vivid memories are living still,
though the years pass away.
And if I stop and close my eyes
I can see you smiling there.
Again I feel that sweet surprise
you’re so present and aware.
We’re resting on that granite rock,
staying longer than we planned.
Unfettered by constraints, we talk
and begin to understand.
Though we must both go on our way
to live our lives as we conceive,
we also wish that we could stay
and never have to leave.
The warm breeze brings the scent of pine
as we share comradery.
The moment almost seems divine
knowing you’re alive with me.
Life almost seems divine
knowing you’re alive with me.