I don't much like walking in the valley.
It is treacherous.
There are rocks stubbing my toes.
And jagged cliff walls stabbing my back.

I don't much like valley-walking.
The hike is loathsome.
The air is stifling.
The way seems endless.

In valley-walking, the darkness oppresses.
The shadow of death hovers over
Pushing
Taunting
Blocking out the warmth of the Sun.

I don"t like valley-walking.
I have forgotten the mountains
I have lost sight of the flowers
This valley walking has become my daily trek.

I don't like valley-walking.
There is not running in the valley.
No rushing the pain
One must WALK through it.
Slow treads of torment
No easy exits.

Did I hear You?
Did you say, "Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death?"
Did you say I could do this without fear?
Are you really with me?

One foot in front of the other
Upon the valley terrain
Bravely, sadly, hopefully
For You are with me.
Still, I do not much like valley-walking.

April 29, 2009