Up the Valley

UP THE VALLEY

            The road up the valley that time forgot.
            In fifty years it changeth not.
            Blackwater rests around the bend.
            Like other Gold towns has seen the end
            of Hotel, Post Office and the dredge.
            A sleepy valley that’s now a hedge;
            against this world that goes too fast.
            Forever may these havens last.
            At least in memory.

            Nellie, Ma Ward, Ash and Emmy
            To mention just a few of many,
            that lived in this valley, where gold
            had been the dream of old.
            Some stayed, but always found.
            Not enough gold and too much ground.

            Dick and Aussie from up the hill.
            Their huts are now forever still
            No smoke winds up to paint the sky,
            stirring whimsical dreams of days gone by.

            The schoolhouse stands to mark the time.
            Where the morning bell was heard to chime.
            And children laughed, and children played.
            But that was then, and none have stayed.

            The river that flows forever on.
            A trickle today, could rampage upon,
            this valley so serene.
            Lest you forget it’s sleeping might.
            In flood it is an awesome sight.

            But the river flows on when others have gone
            Not caring not sharing our woes.
            Saying this life's not endless; but must travel on
            For what life brings who knows

           ( This poem was written in memory of my parents. Read About this poem)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

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artlyy Avatar
September 7, 2026 at 6:48 AM
I've really been enjoying your story your characters and storytelling are fantastic. Honestly, I think it would work incredibly well as a manga or webtoon and could help you reach an even bigger audience. I'm a commission-based manga/webtoon artist, and I'd love to help bring your story to life if you're ever interested. Feel free to reach out at gm@il: [email protected] inst@ akiraa_artly
Agustin Avatar
January 19, 2024 at 5:34 AM
Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts through your unique poetic style. Meanwhile, I greet you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.
A   Avatar
January 27, 2016 at 10:39 PM
brian, enjoyed reading your poem, Please keep writing and sharing your poetry. XOX -- LINDA --
A  Avatar
September 9, 2015 at 1:52 PM
Brian, thank you for sharing. A pleasure to read... SKAT
Cosgrove Avatar
September 9, 2015 at 8:51 PM
Hi Skat glad you enjoyed it Ash & Emmy are my parents Dick & Aussie were old prospectors that never moved on All is gone but the memory remains Thanks
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