Poetry by Cheryl Dale
THE BEST OF LIFE
TODAY I STOOD ATOP A MOUNTAIN
IF OBLIGATIONS DIDN’T HOLD ME
ACCEPTANCE
MOLD ME, SHAPE ME, GUIDE ME
THE BEST OF LIFE
To ride a shaded mountain trail,
The air so crisp and cool.
With the best of friends in all the world-
Your horse and trusted mule.
To climb the heights of snowy peaks,
And see such awesome sights.
Or settle down in meadow green,
To spend the star filled nights.
To share a fire with those you love,
And sing a favorite song.
To camp where no one else has been,
And feel that you belong.
To go to sleep to autumn’s scent,
And wake up to the snow.
To meet the challenge nature sends,
To conquer it and know.
The best of life is to be had,
On quiet summer days.
Just lay back on a sun warmed log,
And watch your horses graze.
TODAY I STOOD ATOP A MOUNTAIN
Today I stood atop a mountain
and looked out across the vastness of my world.
A breeze, sharp and startlingly fresh, lifted my hair
and brushed my cheek.
I watched a bird soar free and laughed out loud, for
I felt His spirit inside me also.
At my feet God’s garden grew with flowers of the
purest richest colors ever seen. Their fragile
beauty seemed out of place as they gently clung to
rugged rocky hillsides.
Today I drank from a saucy mountain stream that
chuckled as it slid down pebbled bed and raced
around a bed to hide. Its taste was sweeter than
the most expensive wine and filled me with a longing
to remain beside its moist and fragrant banks.
Today I stood atop a mountain and saw the shadow of
God’s hand upon the land.
IF OBLIGATIONS DIDN’T HOLD ME
If obligations didn’t hold me,
If I had no tie,
I’d go back to the Peaks,
And live there ‘til I die.
I’d like to rise each day at dawn,
And drink from crystal stream.
I’d like to lie on meadow grass,
And watch the clouds and dream.
I’d like to share my unfenced yard,
With chipmunk, elk, and deer.
I’d like to sing out all my songs,
For trees and birds to hear.
I’d only need an evergreen,
To shield me from a storm.
Or on a chilly mountain night,
A fire to keep me warm.
My roof would be the clear blue sky,
No walls would close me in.
It’s there I’d find more peace and joy,
Than anywhere I’ve been.
ACCEPTANCE
You must walk me through this, Lord,
I’m shaken and I’ve found,
I’m not sure that I can handle,
This new path You’ve led me down.
I will need You here beside me,
Holding tightly to my hand.
I believe this is Your will, Lord,
Though I do not understand.
As my trust in You is strengthened,
I’ll walk tall and with a smile.
But right now, Lord, I may need you,
Just to carry me a while.
MOLD ME, SHAPE ME, GUIDE ME
Mold me,
Shape me,
Guide me, Lord,
That I might see the day,
That every word,
That leaves my mouth,
Be what you bid me say.
That every deed,
My hands perform,
Is for the glory of,
Your holy name,
Your saving grace,
Your deep abiding love,
That when I walk,
Among the crowd,
They do not see just me,
But rather that they see me as,
The dwelling place of Thee.
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