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Valley Duty

Valley Duty I climb up to the mountaintop Then stand on holy ground; See the glory abiding there – feel true love abound; I want to stay forever in this sacred place But feel the call to valley duty once more. Here, upon this mountain rest, With sunlight on my face I ask a final blessing, Lord, so I can serve with grace; My heart tells me I don’t travel alone – love my eternal guide - As I ride back to the valley again. I see the valley below me – And I hear the valley cries; See the dark rise up again - dark horse of swirling pain. Can’t tell you terror hides from me – nor tell you, not afraid - Descending to the valley again. Challenged –go back into this valley Among the weeds of war; Called back to the valley, but, here I serve the Lord. And I wear the armor that only love can forge Returning to the valley, once more.

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Besma Riabi Dziri

Date: 5/26/2020 11:18:00 AM

The soul strives to experience an untethered state to just feel the mighty silence of the mountain.. decrypt its message.. get to know the possibilities of the Self when going through shaking senses.. the taste of fright.. the weight of dark.. the feel of oblivion.. the sense of nothing in the presence of the beyond.. "Love, my eternal guide"! The essence of existence! Humankind empowered by Faith and Love to serve Humanity and instill Beauty.. So wonderful and soothing a rendition, Sam! Regards

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/27/2020 3:39:00 PM

Thank you Besma. All of us are called to the mountaintop but not to remain. There is always work in the valley but we are never alone as we serve and that in itself is comforting and soothing. So nice to have you visit.

Mark Koplin

Date: 3/24/2020 10:52:00 AM

I love it friend. What a strong and powerful message you send. Great poem

Sam Kauffman
Date: 3/24/2020 1:22:00 PM

Thank you, friend! The message was born out of many experiences. I am so glad you traveled with me from mountaintop back to the valley and that this poem spoke to you so powerfully! Blessings!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 3/24/2020 10:25:00 AM

Profoundly penned, Sam. Love the concept of the ascent to the top of the mountain, followed by the descent into the dreaded valley --- but armed with the Love of the Lord. Truly beautiful. Happy Tuesday! :) Gershon

Sam Kauffman
Date: 3/24/2020 1:19:00 PM

Happy Tuesday to you! Thank you for your visit and for your encouraging message. This poem was born out of all the "mountaintop" experiences I have had. But, always with the knowledge that I must return to the "valley" to use the knowledge gained at the mountaintop - and we never go back down the mountain without "armor." What a blessing. Be blessed! Keep us laughing with your wonderful wit!

Eve Roper

Date: 3/23/2020 11:57:00 PM

nicely done, Sam, inspiring for a spiritual walk with self, nature, and God.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 3/24/2020 1:49:00 AM

Thank you so much, Eve. So happy it was an inspiring journey for you. Blessings to you on your spiritual journey. In my prayers.

John Watt

Date: 3/23/2020 11:54:00 PM

This is how I feel when returning from a spiritual retreat. The human side loves the peace, the growth, the communing with God and nature and like-minded friends. But the real work to which we are called is in the trenches. Valley duty, indeed. "And I wear the armor that only love can forge", mmm. This is a favfav (favorite of my Sam faves). Many thanks for this.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 3/24/2020 1:36:00 AM

Oh, again, thank you John. You are welcome! After running a retreat - living on the mountaintop for four days - a friend talked about going back to "valley duty." I told him I was going to write something on that theme. And, yes, I know exactly how you feel - so hard going back to reality, but knowing our mountaintop prepares us for the valley! So here we are with our armor! Blessings to you!