“How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!” ~ naturalist John Muir
For my parents, one dog, and four boys,
after six hours of switchbacks with no break,
when majestic waters glitter turquoise,
there is no other beauty like Duck Lake.
Categories:
switchbacks, family, happiness, memory, nature,
Form: Rhyme
Unseen pathways ahead are full
Of switchbacks and great ruts.
Should you get a foot entangled -
I can help you regain your steps.
None of the routes are easy;
There's no formidable plan.
I only know forward is the way
So I will follow behind.
Today is not new nor bright;
It hides a lot of middle ground.
I am the friend in your life
That brings some peace of mind
Yet death is deep and mysterious;
It's the Last Great Unknown.
That's what'll end our shared fates
And on we must walk alone.
Categories:
switchbacks, death, friend, mountains,
Form: Rhyme
The Paths
by Franklin Price
1/30/2016
Some paths you follow paved and wide
Where you may move with ease
To deviate from left to right
Much doing as you please
Negotiating sweeping curves
Can look around the bend
No trouble there that you can see
Not coming to an end
Then comes unpaved and narrow
Not many choices there
Switchbacks are imbedded
Proceed on the way with care
Cliffs are there imposing
Many dangers for a fall
Cling closely to the inside
Or don't go there at all
You may go with someone
Or you may go alone
As the leader or the follower
There are skills that you must hone
And as you travel on life's path
Decide yourself where you should trod
Make intelligent decisions
While you place your faith in God
Categories:
switchbacks, destiny, growth, life,
Form: Rhyme
Lacing up my hiking boots
A backpack full of supplies
Heading out on a new trail head
As the sun just starts to rise
Switchbacks up the mountain trail
Waterfalls at which I stop
Six thousand feet of elevation gain
Before I reach the top
Splash fresh water upon my face
Enjoy the flora along the trails
Rejuvenating my inner soul
This exhilaration never fails
Approach the apex of the mountain
As the sun reaches its summit in the sky
Looking over miles of God’s green earth
Puts a teardrop in my eye
I love each day I can spend this way
Enjoying life in this particular fashion
Hiking trails through the wilderness
Is my enriching passion
Categories:
switchbacks, adventuresun,
Form: Rhyme