On the other side of the mountain
from the valley far below
I walked through alpine meadows
to peaks topped with snow
Cloud enshrouded the ridges
then I stepped above the heights
the veil lifted from the valleys
to reveal its hidden sights
What a glorious scene to behold
treasures delved from the deep
pearls of sparkling glacial lakes
teal waters cold and deep
Along steep mountain slopes
through virgin snowy banks
streams plunged to depths below
joining waters in the ranks
Watching the valley below
from his regal sacred shrine
a silent sentry stood guard
atop the earth’s rocky spine
Once again the curtain fell
as I walked the rocky path
pelting rain and icy snow
was unleashed in all its wrath
The night was dark and cold
fires doused from watery skies
unrestful sleep on stony ground
under ever watchful eyes
Morning brought a new dawn
though the sun refused to shine
I marveled at the wondrous day
along the trail in mountain pine
Could anything dampen my spirits
in this land so far apart
or quench the passion burning within –
in the mountains of my heart
Across flowing streams and river rocks
over shale slopes and grassy knolls
soft wind teased the grass
wild flowers bared their souls
The rough-hewn logs beckoned me
within the cabin walls
fire burning amid the stones
as the chill softly falls
Water drawn from the spring
warming on wood burning stove
the sun shining on the earth
double rainbow in the cove
The table spread with tasty fare
as the others enter the gate
greeted to warmth and food
a weary wanderer’s fate
My soul sighs with deep content
drawn to those skies of blue
already a longing tugs at my heart
as the mountains fade from view
I know one day I will return
to this land of mountains and streams
until then I’ll live on memories
and rest there in my dreams
2014
inspired by 1974 backpacking trip from the other side of the mountains
note: The first night’s camp was near Hindu Lake. There were two rock formations that looked like two Hindus at the top of the ridge standing guard over the valley.