Best Mountain Pass Poems
Four friends and I, one Sunday, take a ride.
our church still closed just short of one full year.
We drive, white almond blooms on either side,
instead. Their branches wave as if to cheer,
“Prepare the way! Prepare the way for God!”
Each blade of mountain grass we see arise,
like little children singing praises, laud.
Some tiny purple flowers sing reprise,
join fiddlenecks of gold, much like stained glass
to deck the mountain like an A-frame church.
We slowly drive the narrow mountain pass
to see the valley from a lookout perch.
The treetops seem to bow, like they declare
their love for God. In awe, we join their prayer.
March 7, 2021
Breath of Spring Poetry Contest
Contest Sponsor: Regina McIntosh
Categories:
mountain pass, day, devotion, nature, religion,
Form:
Sonnet
It’s said that God bestows on us, each and every soul,
A special gift just meant for us, to make our lifetime whole.
How often I have thought about what gift was to be mine.
I waited for His one bequest to make my earth years shine.
I've envied some their striking looks, their figures lean and spare.
(This gift from God not always used in unison with prayer.)
I watched the athlete nimbly scale to heights till now unclimbed.
While others scour the ocean floor: new life there, still to find.
I've closed my eyes and listened to the maestro's ebb and flow.
Was lifted up; my heart was stirred; my spirit touched my soul.
Then too there is the gift of song; a greater gift than gold.
Was I to have this blessed prize, what other need I hold?
But none of these He chose for me; not one did He bestow.
Instead perhaps the gift of words, shall serve me where I go.
For without words I could not write of wonders I have seen:
Could not return to times gone by, or capture fleeting dreams.
How, lacking words could I describe the sun upon of the sea:
A mountain pass, a lake of glass, the joy of being free?
Words serve to tell of all that’s good, as well as all that’s bad.
They make the beauty come alive and hurt us with what’s sad.
And when the years have passed on by and dust is what was me:
The gift of words, put down in verse, remain for all to see.
Thoughts penned in ink and left behind, let what ‘was me’ live on.
The gift of words will still be here when other gifts are gone.
© 2015 Diane Lefebvre
Categories:
mountain pass, god, poetry, words, writing,
Form:
Dramatic Verse
The trodden pathway of brown pebble stones and grass
Leads to a hidden meadow below a mountain pass
Where soft gentle winds flow endless from blue skies
Whispering secrets to agile dragonflies
That frolic in sunshine amongst daffodils
Wings with touches of gold dip low just for thrills
As bumble bees hum; and a bird playfully sings …
Watching sun rays reflect on crystalline wings
~*~
Categories:
mountain pass, nature
Form:
Rispetto
Ah Frontiera, here we are at your last, you've thrown a rod, your life lies black
on oily ground - all this snow and you're a mobile no longer; so I must walk.
It's cold, and now I think of it, that cold that exists in enormous reservoirs
at the poles of our world, seemingly to pass back and forth between,
as if through a secret conduit as the seasons are unfurled.
I will relax, I tell myself, "become one with the cold" as if it can't hurt me,
because sometimes you have to tell yourself things in order to survive.
My soliloquy proceeds as I gather thin paper birch branches and fashion them
into snowshoes with rawhide strings from my pack, a woefully empty pack
considering where I must go - the Brooks Range, even in October, is no joke -
and I can make it to a trapper's cabin, south south-west near Lake Chandalar.
Like the Inupiat Eskimos, I will sing my song, make up my tale, and live on.
Garlock, lord of this valley, seven feet of branch-breaking, tree-scarring,
log-rolling, stump-pulling black bear might, looks up, for the wind was behind me
and his nose is ever aware; my prayer - "You've eaten well, for your
winter sleep comes soon, you are not hungry enough for me" - I repeat it with
calm confidence; Praise God - noble king Garlock, this time, gives me a pass.
Two hundred miles, "Can I make it in three weeks, can I stay alive for four,"
I wonder as I walk, as I fish - pike, char; hard-fought with my hook, still the grayling
cooks on my fire - with a few remaining blueberries I find for spice; over mountain pass,
near the gorge's bottom, a rocky ledge, a rare stumbled caribou with broken legs,
my knife finishes it, oh how warm and rich the liver.
Over the blue cold of a nameless glacier - half the planet's glaciers are in Alaska,
that blue in summer melting is half of all water flowing into all the seas; I exist
with the cold, I'm only a part-day's travel from the trapper's cabin now.
Click-thunk! I hear it before my leg is alive with pain; I've stepped on a trap.
The evening's grim descent doubles and redoubles - I laugh or cry.
Will I bleed, will I freeze, or will my life just vanish into shock,
tucked into the ever-colder onset of night.
Trapper, when will you next check your traps?
December 21, 2016
For Shadow Hamilton's contest - 'Epic'
Categories:
mountain pass, journey,
Form:
Epic
A solo pilot, lost in snow,
in a jagged mountain pass.
His eyes are trained upon each tree,
and the shape of each crevasse…
In an open-cockpit time machine,
the winter wind does howl,
but a mighty fire’s burning bright,
inside the engine cowl.
The fog and flurry blinding him,
he searches for a trail,
running late, and miles behind,
he’s employed to fly the mail.
He looks for clues to lead him back,
like ancient, sunken wagon tracks.
A mumbled cuss, then shouts out loud,
he’s heard that mountains hide in clouds…
Now’s the time to pay the toll,
for conversations with his soul.
One way in, and one way out,
it’s true that mountains hide in clouds.
Copyright © 2013
Categories:
mountain pass, adventure, conflict, courage, fear,
Form:
Rhyme
Make a wish then live that way
Me, I don’t know what to say
Since one and one equal two
I simply do what I must do
The hardest choice I now make
I prefer my icing on top the cake
My taste is set I will never roam
In your heart, I’ve found my home
Your love is like a rush of power
A thorny rose of tender flower
I swear of this I could not joke
Be still the thorn inside the poke
Like a lake aside a mountain pass
Your eyes are pools of liquid glass
Inside those pools what I see
A hero is what you see in me
You’ve made a hero of a villain
In your arms, I’m happy Chillin’
Days to weeks, months to years
To you who comforts all my fears
I reckon that, which I wish to say
I would die for you this very day
Categories:
mountain pass, friendship, hope, husband, life,
Form:
Couplet
I broke my ties at seventeen,trying to find myself a life:
Sold my bike for sixty-five dollars,bought a ticket for a ride.
I was headed out to Oregon,on that crisp and frosty day.
I was living free..... I'm on my way!
We hit weather back in Idaho,the roads were iced and slick,
As we drove into a mountain pass,the snow was three feet thick:
the wind kept blowing us back and forth, the bus began to sway,
It's a long way down......I'm on my way!
The day God sent His angles,to carry me away:
to place my feet on firmer ground,to keep my body safe:
the day God sent His angles,to carry me away:
and to keep me safe....I'm on my way
As the wind would push against us,the bus would slide away,
closer to that mountain Clift,I clasped my hands to pray!
We were all about to lose our lives,we couldn't run away:
and I felt at peace....I'm on my way!
The day God sent His angels,to carry me away:
To place my feet on firmer ground,to keep my body safe:
the day God sent His angels,to show me the way,
And He's kept me safe....Along the way,
Categories:
mountain pass, blessing, change, chanukah, emotions,
Form:
While I was waiting by the peaceful stream
I was lost in contemplation and dream
I looked up northward toward the mountain pass
Suddenly a cloud appeared, boiling mass
Quickly dark clouds tumbled with windy throw
Purple sky and thunder crash pushing snow
While I watched the snarling sky wind began
Oh no, I must find shelter if I can
Replaced with dread all peace had flown away
There was no time to wait, terror pushed my day
Speeding down the winding path I ran fast
Was that a giant hollow tree I passed?
Sweet shelter that I’m looking for, I ‘m blessed
Though in the passing moments I’ve been stressed
On a pile of rotted wood I sat still
While outside snow began to fall, the chill
The wind was roaring stirring all the trees
Branches falling, blinding snow, would I freeze?
I’m waiting for the time that I can go
I need to see a break in wind and snow
Then off again I run, I couldn’t wait
Flying through the snow, what will be my fate?
Through the fresh new snow I trudged short of breath
Lightening crashed close by, would this be my death?
I see the hill; in but one mile my car
The joy, I’m safe again and not too far
Categories:
mountain pass, peace, snow, storm, wind,
Form:
Iambic Pentameter
There are traces of the sun
In your smile
Sparkle of the stars
In your eyes
Intriguing hint
Of foxy guile
That makes me pause
And realize
That your tears are like
Springtime rain
Walnut brown eyes wide
As Montana skies
Your breath the zephyr
Of the mountain pass
Breast a nest for hummingbirds
And cold Heart rimmed with ice
Attitude both bad and good
As changeable as the weather
Hale and hard as hickory wood
And hardy as the heather
If all the heavens beauty could be
Conjoined in one solid mass
Twould be as hard as flint could be
Yet both soft as meadow grass
…You are Nature…
I love you
Categories:
mountain pass, hope, nature,
Form:
Ode
One never knows where a winding
road will lead
A winding road can lead you
up a mountain pass
Or a hill road winding pass
A winding road can lead to
a stream or river bank
Or lead you on a dirt road
that leads to a farmer's field
A winding road can lead you
to a hidden beach
A winding road can lead you
on a journey to anywhere
Categories:
mountain pass, journey, travel,
Form:
Verse
I can hear Thermopylae beckoning me upon my return
Leonidas’ voice calls me forward to battle with hardened pride
Time’s grains shifting bellowing out the past I have lived
And I am of that past…I can touch the echoes of who I was
I remember the summers heat as we marched to battle
Laughing in the parching dusts as brothers-in-arms often do
Praying to the gods for a cool Aegean zephyr
To dissolve my fears of the impending battle…death
But why now does my ancient king demand of me?
Why do the hoplites summon me by banging shield and spear?
I hold at the moment of entering that mountain pass
Marveling upon these memories of someone past…of me
Stepping forward I can see the army of Xerxes pride
In the shadow of King Leonidas crying “Molon Labe!”
Do I allow this ancient knowledge to lead me forward?
Or file it away dismissing it as incidence or moments chance
A moment’s time I see the battle unfold as waves of Persians push
Washing over and falling back over my fallen broken brothers
I bid goodbye to retreating men as they go to rally the Pelleponese
Leaving we…the 300 champions to perish in honored glory
As I trace the steps I have trodden in centuries long forgotten
I am a part of all things divinely made by the god’s hands
Weeping for my brothers whose tender faces I don’t recall
I stand in the grandeur of Thermopylae.
Historical Note:
The battle of Thermopylae (also know as The Hot Gates) was pivotal in the
worlds history. The group of Spartans, Theban, and allies held off the Armies of
Persian King Xerxes long enough for Greece to rally an army of its own and
defeat the persians. Those who went to Thermopylae knew it was a suicide
mission. Also, the words "MOLON LABE", were the words King Leonidas of
Sparta replied, when Xerxes demanded their arms in surrender...it
means "Come and
take them".
Categories:
mountain pass, introspection, life, people, time,
Form:
Free verse
blowing wind sings songs
thru valley and mountain pass
pierced by man's echo
Categories:
mountain pass, men, mountains, weather, wind,
Form:
Haiku
Sunday Rose
A poem about enriching your life with the love of your partner-in-life, inspired by Ancient Greek Wisdom
As I walk quickly upon the steep mountain pass
I find you searching though the ever-green grass
For wild flowers to sooth and offer my aching heart
As you seek love’s ways to erase what keeps us apart
You’re my precious one, my only true raison d'être
Always allowing me, silently, your heart, to enter
For you know that my love for you makes wonders
As it permeates my soul with its amorous thunders
You’re the red flower of my life’s spiritual Spring
Inspiring me to feel like a very ancient Greek King
And as you throw your erotic arrows into my heart
You make my life’s canvass a wonderful work of art
You complement, Princess, my heart’s deep desire
With your marvelous soul’s glowing psychic attire
Making me change the habits of my own boredom
To enter your harmonious life’s pleasurable kingdom
Always taking into deep consideration the meaning of the following ancient Greek story of Odysseus and Penelope, described fully in Homer’s Odyssey.
The story, in summary, goes like this: ‘After being torn apart, they wait twenty long years to be reunited. War takes Odysseus away shortly after his marriage to Penelope. Although she has little hope of his return, she resists the 108 suitors for over 20 years who are anxious to replace her husband. Odysseus is equally devoted, refusing a beautiful sorceress's offer of everlasting love and eternal youth, so that he might return home to his wife and son’.
It is obvious when you read Homer’s Odyssey that not only does Odysseus love Penelope dearly, but he cares far less for societal and political status than he does for her. Penelope, not power, is Odysseus's true reason for returning home to Ithaca.
Categories:
mountain pass, beauty, love,
Form:
Ballad
To get there one must
Pass eerie looking moorland that is vast
Largest tree on earth its shadow will cast
Beyond it on will reach mountain pass at last
Continue up the mountain until you reach imposing drop
Down in the chasm you can see bodies of precipice deadly crop
Winds blow there nonstop
Mists look green or violet in sunshine on peak’s top
But don’t worry for on mountains outer ridge
There is a bridge
But to go there takes courage
For there is active volcano below the passage
Volcano never reaches the bridge and it is awesome sight
Seen from bridges height
It is especially beautiful at night
Or at dawns first light
The lava that is crimson, orange and scarlet
Is contrasted by ground that is deep grey violet
The volcano is never silent
Air around it is dense and of soul’s pigment
Beyond the bridge from next peak go down the ravine
With river running between
Two mountains one on each side seen
The air there is crisp and clean
Take a kayak there you must take it but eyes must stay open they can’t be shot
The reason the rapids can be dangerous and there is a lot
Stones and whirlpools will bother you somewhat
Large stone in the right side you will be tempted to stay far away from but do not
You must come close to the stone
Don’t worry rapids close to it are mild you will not hit the stone
But the rapids beyond next turn to the left for great danger are prone
And on the left side there is another stone sharp deadly and could be your tombstone
As turning slowly left keep your kayak to the river’s right
This is the time you must fight
Rivers might
But if you followed my directions you will alright
At the end of the river there are no more rapids only a gentle wave
Go down the below to underwater cave
Its only couple of meters down so be brave
There is air inside the cave so beauty and surreal magnificence of it in mind you can save
The diamond like glow with enchantment by that your very soul will be exclaimed
It is otherworldly and as yours it can be claimed
In it there is glory of the one that cannot be named
And nonlinear notion of this majesty can be entertained
Categories:
mountain pass, fantasy,
Form:
Rhyme
On a mountain pass
A passing ass
Ate some grass
Causing gas
As bold as brass
The riding lass
Told the flatulent ass
You have no class
This is intended to be monorhyme, where I live all the ending words have hard 'a' as in gas
of course if you are in the south of the UK this won't work at all because of your sissy
soft 'ah's :)
Categories:
mountain pass, animals, funny
Form:
Monorhyme