CHALLENGING DRIVE


And so we traveled very, very high,
Our destination seemingly to reach 
The gathering mist and 
Dreary grey sky.
The path rather track that we took,
Could have been misunderstood,
For a stairway to heaven. 

Are you going right to the top,
Are you mad to go,
Asked a kind old man with a mop
Of pure white hair, walking his dog.
He seemed to think so.
At every curve we went higher,
I feared we could not travel further,
As the track became even curvier,
Our altitude terrifying,
But still we kept climbing.
I did not utter a sound,
Just accepted that we might die,
And might shortly be heaven bound.
No alternative to be found,
We had to face this rocky terrain.
The mist arrived, low and blanket like,
It was recommended that this
Area was good for a hike,
Or mountain biking,
Perhaps even cycling,
And what about the mist,
Pray tell, I Insist.

We finally reached our rustic
Holiday accommodation,
And destination,
Off the grid,
With feelings of trepidation,
Not a property 
For which I would bid.
What a magnificent sight to behold,
We avoided little mounds of sand,
When walking on a gravel path,
Towards our wood cabin,
Cows munched grass outside our door,
A worker, hired as a farm hand,
Covered cow dung with this sand,
Thank God for small mercies,
Hallelujah, hubby said.

The Natal midlands, we will 
Visit again, but will stay
on lower Terra Firma
So that we may
Live. to see another day.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
October 19, 2024 at 11:23 AM
I really enjoyed this one. A bit frightening like Stephen King's tale The Mist.
George Avatar
October 12, 2024 at 12:22 AM
Your journey sounded so very scary and equally adventurous. But the scenery at the top was worth taking the trouble ...I believe . With the spirit of young hikers, you covered every bend and crossed every hurdle. It was with bated breath that l read your description. Mountainous terrains are prone to accidents. Thank God, you reached your destination safe. Beautiful narration, dear Jenny. Greatly enjoyed.
Callus Avatar
September 29, 2024 at 8:42 AM
You have lost none of your narrative talent, Jenny! I truly enjoyed this. Curiosity got the best of me and I checked out the Natal midlands ... mountains, beautiful scenery and game reserves. I bet that once you settled in you all had a lovely time. ~ Warm regards and hugs my friend. // paul
Kendrick Avatar
September 29, 2024 at 8:42 AM
Ha!!Ha!! I would think that would be a wonderful place minus the drive up a mountain plus if one goes up, they have to come down. LOL..Thanks for sharing. Sara K
Edmonds  Avatar
September 28, 2024 at 6:50 PM
What a scary journey you and hubby had, Jennifer, do hope you enjoyed the stay and that the journey back wasn’t too bad. Hugs, Beryl
Kauffman Avatar
September 11, 2024 at 10:23 AM
Hi Jennifer! Not only is this a story of your journey but a beautifully written metaphor for the journey of one of God's pilgrims. It reminds me of Pilgrim's Progress. Wonderfully crafted and skillfully written, dear friend. Thank you for your visits to my page. They are always special blessings and I love reading your feedback. As you come into spring, sending you many blessings, dear friend!
Beaufort Avatar
September 9, 2024 at 12:50 PM
Jennifer, I think it's great you get to explore your own country. Sounds like the trip up there was a bit scary. Driving on mountain roads requires care, and we're all glad you made it OK! Sometimes, it gets close when traffic is heading in the opposite direction. Your description has some humor and creates images that make me smile!
Buhagiar Avatar
September 9, 2024 at 1:16 AM
Oh how I dream to be with you, up on high where the breeze is refreshing and nature is splendid. Yes, do return to terra firma. Not that it's safer down here, with all these nasty drivers.
Ashley Avatar
September 8, 2024 at 8:19 AM
Dearest Jennifer, my soulful friend, I was captivated by your engaging poem and death-defying ride up the mountain. Your verse "Hallelujah, hubby said" made me smile with relief and giggle at the sand piles. What an amazing yet terrifying journey to your Holiday destination. Going back down must have been even more terrifying. I would definitely be staying "on lower Terra Firma" lol as I'm not a fan of heights (though I'm sure it was beautiful!). It's great to see you my dear poetry sis. I hope all is well with you and your lovely family. Warmest wishes, love and hugs sent from across the waves.. ~Susan
Cunningham Avatar
September 7, 2024 at 8:47 AM
You take the reader on an incredible journey Jennifer, glad you back safely to lower ground. Hope you and your family are keeping well. Tom
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