.
It comes in darkness
like a gentle giant
no trumpets or glare
just strong arms
that lift you
above the sharp slopes
to the top
of the mountain
you’ve climbed for so long.
.
You throw off your pack
and the valley widens
into a smile
and the sun spreads
like butter
on loaves of eternity
and you finally see
that it’s you, love –
you are the giant.
.
.
© 2000, 2017 Betty Hayes Albright
.
(originally posted in 2012, now revised)
Seasonings 
Wonderful!
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Thanks very much!
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“On loaves of eternity” One of the best lines ever, Betty. I used to hike with our sons, the Boy Scouts, and this poem reminds me what the achievement felt like. I did feel like a giant sometimes, especially when I wasn’t sure I could make it. Until I did.
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Sharon, thank you, I’m glad you liked that line, and that you were once a hiker. Hiking was always a part of my life too, growing up in the Pacific Northwest. Never climbed to the top of a mountain though. (Left that to my sons. 🙂 )
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In every walk with nature one finds more than he seeks. – John Muir
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Peter, as an admirer of John Muir, I love that quote. Thank you!
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Saw it in of all places – Muir Woods. One could only imagine what he felt the first time seeing that forest. Reverence comes to mind!
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Would love to visit Muir Woods myself someday, Peter. To sit among the old trees and listen to their stories…. How long ago were you there?
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Maybe 2006? It’s just as you say. Old growth is an understatement. Stayed in Fresno. It was May 90 min to the Sequoia Natl Park and Kings Canyon.
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Sounds like a beautiful and wonderful trip!
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Love is what takes what is small and turns it into the giants of our existence.
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Very true, Charlie – thank you for such a wise interpretation. 🙂
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nice! 😊
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Thank you!
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you never cease to amaze with the beauty of your words and the images they invoke….butter on bread….warm soft and loving ❤
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Thank you, Kim – that’s so nice of you to say! 😊💞
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What a vivid image you induce, Betty, and this is such a beautiful line: “sun spreads like butter on loaves of eternity.” Your poem reminds me of our hiking and backpacking days, too. “The valley widens into a smile” reminds me of one of our more difficult hikes, making it up and over a huge granite dome. When I saw the valley, well, your words say it all. My husband and son have gone on two 50-miler backpacking trips, so I’m sure they felt like giants at the end, as well. Hugs 💗
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Lauren, so glad you liked the poem! I enjoyed hearing about your hikes – would love to hear where you’ve been. My own hiking experiences don’t involve reaching the tops of mountains (we live near the Cascade range) but I always loved hiking on the slopes and through the forests, etc.)
Thank you so much for your comment, Lauren.
❣️
🤗
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Lovely revision. Some great lines and images.
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Thank you, Ben. Gave it a real work over. 😊
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This poem lies beautifully on the plane between description and subtle metaphor, and spreads such a delicious light. And how tasty that description of a smiling valley! Moving through landscapes so often transforms our state of mind; perhaps all journeys are only inner journeys…
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, and for seeing the metaphor. It’s not really about climbing mountains, but I’m happy when readers enjoy the literal images. 🙂
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after all this butter
& loaves
i’m leaving
feeling giant 🙂
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Glad you left full! 🙂
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This is just so uplifting 💜🌹
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Thank you, Willow! ❤️💕
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🍷🌹🌹🌹🌹
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It reminds me of my favourite song
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Am not familiar with the song. (Is it a newer one? I’m so not up on current music scene!) Good one!
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No it a year or so old but I love the feel of it. 💜
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This poem shows tour talent. I too love the loaves of eternity.. such a joy to see clouds in that shape. Thank you for this, my friend.
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Thank you, Audrey, I always appreciate hearing from you! 🙂
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Love all of your writes Betty but this poem speaks to me of that which we fail to notice inside of ourselves and you have put it into words.
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Renee, thank you, I’m glad you saw that in my poem.
It’s good to hear from you – hope all is going well up your way.
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Was gone for a week in CA visiting my dad. I go once a year as he now has dementia and is going to be 94 very soon now. Hope you are well.
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Hope it went as well as possible. That’s such a difficult situation…
Doing okay here except for pain flare-up. November and December are always my worst months.
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The sun was wonderful and I rarely noticed my pain issues but upon arriving home it all returned. I do not like the cold and it does not like me. I will be thinking of you.
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That sounds like good evidence that our weather really affects our pain level. Makes sense….now if we could just do something about it! 🙂
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