Across the Valley

"Across the Valley" by Kim Loftis

Across the valley
  down past the dell
  down o'er the river
     Past church and spire and hill and vale
  down embankment to silver stream's sliver
     with glimmer and figure and echo's quiet whisper
  where tree encrusted islands dwell.

And on the hill that overlooks
   with rocks and rooks, storms and crooks,
       poised there as story from old books,
A chapel stands, as marquee grand,
   over all the land with brand and strand and band in hand,
With towering spire and look that shook
       and froze the hearts that heard that knell.

That bell, that knell, that metallic yell,
   That call to contemplate tomorrow—
The solemn herald upon the hill
   Reminding all of earthly sorrow.

Yet rock and block, stone and tome,
   Bid suppliants come and ponder the purpose of life;
Mid earth and sky, midst laughter and sigh,
   hangs existence on the edge as of a knife.

And above the clouds, the gray mist shrouds,
   and shields life below from sunlight;
But spiral points to a promise true
   and hope of eternal birthright!

This promise, this pact, this bond, this guarantee,
   This assurance of eternal compact—
Our God has spoke, His word unbroken,
   His promise true and He won't retract!

- D. Benning