W A L K -
Up out of the valley to the top of the mountain to stand on the summit. It is a clear, open sky above with fog enfolding the tree covered slopes.
Coming Home is often like that----
Upward from many valleys full of misty memories waiting only for re-acquaintance and re-connection, rooting to give us life for daily living.
L I S T E N -
As the quiet kiss of affection ----
Touches the dancing waters,
Hugs the sides of the mountains,
Embraces the trees,
Snuggles with bushes, grass and flowers,
And blankets all wildlife in maternal comfort.
A gentle breeze moves up the valley from the north. The fog cover gradually begins moving off the surface of the lake toward the crest of the hills at the head of the valley.
The sun rises up from the ridge behind us. As its light beams over the crest into the mist, its rise to shine exclusively on the loveliness of this place.
Like the opening of the pages of a book flipped by little puffs of wind, the fog unfolds itself revealing the surrounding tree cover and the sparkling gem-lake in the center.
It is very good to be a part of this Appalachian Mountain Country Magic, even for just a little while, as a companion with the infinite flow of life, in harmony with the hum of God's universal symphony.
Copyright © 1988, 1999 Barbara A. Smith and John G. Hipps. All rights reserved.
This essay was first published June 29, 1988 in the Free-Press Courier, Westfield, Pennsylvania.