LIFE’S UPS & DOWNS

By Poet/Artist/Truck Driver Trevor Hardwick

The valley, as described in this poem, is a place I think most of us have been through.  When you feel isolated or depressed, it can feel like you are the only one around.  Everyone else seems to have a better perspective on things and a clearer view of how we should feel.  The mountains are where we go to rise above the storm.  Up on the mountain, the sun seems brighter and the view is often greater.  In this poem, I reach out to those who struggle with loneliness and depression as I try to relate to how it feels to be stuck in a rut.  To be candid, I must tell you, I’ve been there.  Being alone on the road doesn’t help much, either.  But there’s hope!  Whether you find yours in family, friends, faith or something else, keep on moving forward.  We all know that life isn’t easy, but I believe that God will never give us more than we can handle.  If He gives us a mountain to climb, He will also give us the strength to climb it.

 

THE VALLEY
By Trevor Hardwick

I’m running through the valley, you’ve probably run here too.
Though I’m the only one I’ve seen, for at least a year or two.
It’s dim here in the daytime, and loneliest at night.
The canyon walls close in sometimes, and the curves get really tight.

I see the mountains up ahead, I see them on my side.
I see the mountains in my mirror, they never seem to hide.
I’ve been there on the mountaintop, I’ve touched those bluer skies.
The last to see the sun go down, and the first to see it rise.

I want to be there once again, with people that I know.
But somehow I got stuck down here, in this valley down below.
I hear the voices calling me, they claim to know the way.
I tell them all I’m doing fine, I’ll get there some sweet day.

I’m scared to be quite honest, and this valley road is rough.
I got here full of fuel but now, there might not be enough.
The mountains slow the movement, of the clouds up in the sky.
The rain begins to fall and then, the river starts to rise.

So once again I grab a gear, and lay the hammer down.
I’ll give it one more try, before they leave me here to drown.
I build momentum rapidly, when I go where I’m told.
But then this damned ol’ valley, puts a fork up in the road.

From the mountaintop they see the way, that I should clearly go.
On sunny days they cheer me on, and guide me to and fro’.
But down here in the valley, it’s too dark to clearly see.
With the storm clouds all around, and raging rivers taunting me.

So then I just stop and ask, the good Lord up above.
Please take this wheel from me, and wrap me in Your love.
I want so bad to leave, this lonely valley I’ve been through.
Illuminate my path, oh God, and I will follow You!