Songs that were pretty much on repeat either building up to or during the writing of this poem:
Headed for the Hills – Jess Ray // Perfect Friend – BEACH W, Embleton // Place to Land – Jess Ray

I’ve headed for the hills once more,
Seeking out a still, sunny spot
My spirit can silently roar,
Outside in the great, wide somewhere.

I think we all need to grab hold of times
When thoughts and feelings – whether pro’s or con’s –
Well up, wobble, and spill – after the climb.
Our selves were made to empty, then refill.

My head tilts to the sky, looking for planes –
But it’s neither that nor Superman;
Rather, three eagles beyond all constrain,
The sound of their speed dividing the sky.

I spy bees bumbling from brush to bloom,
Feel the wind firmly wrapping about me,
Like those sturdy hugs with cousins from whom
Grins grow with relative ease – our shared branch.

I’ve travelled time, seeing and list’ning,
Hiking to unknown heights along-
-side long-chosen kindred beings,
Sharing a quiet shoulder-space.

I’ve been to midnight and beyond,
Stirring fun, making space galore
For youths who I am ever fond;
They share and laugh, and I am glad.

I took country roads that led me home
To cabins, games, and conversations.
Snow-tipped trees, crackling fires, I roamed
In place, enjoying familial times.

Now, here I am, seeking still sunshine
Speaking to the wind, myself, and Him.
My runners stand in dirt by design,
As I bend down for scented sagebrush.

I realize I’m both empty and full –
I’m resting, yet ready for the rush.
Like that year I spent learning Hangul,
I’m adorned by kindred connections.

I find myself amidst these still hills
To see the stitches made within me,
Inside this tapestry life of thrills,
That I must stop to well consider.

Life can be so full and fast,
But I want to break and pause,
Sometimes dwelling at half-mast,
Then returning with full sails.

I have seen I am seen
By the One who loves all
No matter where we’ve been
Or however we fall.

These hills are rolling me back now;
I have stood in the Wind’s presence,
Felt its wild, purposeful vow;
I’ll bring it with me as I go.

Written March 28th, 2024

I so often struggle to speak how I wish, but much less so to write – even if sharing both can make me different kinds of anxious. Good thing I know how to work through that! So, I trust this encourages you or helps you think newly on something older; then I will smile softly, as though tucking away a sweet sentiment that I can privately ponder later.