We’d called in that morning, to stay in the fresh Lakes air
‘Oooh, she said, ‘I’m just back from the pub’, unaware
She swivelled, turned to her husband, ‘did I just say that?’
With full houses everywhere; ‘well, could be worse’, I thought
She had a chirpy smile on ruddy breathless cheeks
‘So you’ve come to climb our craggy peaks?’
Inside her Keswick door, we chose our beds,
‘When sun has gone, you’ll rest your heads’
We marched up & over hills that day, exhausted back to our sparkling room
Inside bright pillows, a soft down bed took us fast asleep, it seemed so soon
That night I dreamed as I looked down, the mountain paths were high waves
Pushing us on. They soon dissolved to lakeside foam; our legs no longer slaves
Bright morning sun warmed my eyes
I saw dark restless clouds on the slopes
I saw the winding way, our next chosen view
We’d make our deepest dreams come true
Reflected pictures in the grand bevelled mirror, showed a climb we’d handle
She watched us at our soft white linen table; above, a grey slate fireplace mantle
There, chuckling sweet smelling carnations, inside a tiny purple fluted vase
Listened to our nervous words, bravado. Her breakfast was served with grace
So once again we’ll show what we can do
She gave a cheery ‘tootle…oooh’
We’ll be back from craggy mountain
You’ll give us comfort once again
This jagged rocky path, winding to the peak
Bright sun, wind, fierce rain to make us weak
We stretched over gurgling rushing streams
Clouds parted and we stood on our mountaintop of dreams
The path wound down to the sparkling lake
Nestled against the jagged mountain slate
Tiny cars slid along the ribbon drive parting
Between the slope and misty water curtain
We left our ‘thank you’ notes by the stair
Beside the basket full of guides to everywhere
You gave us happiness; we’ll not forget you
Sure we’ll meet again before this year is through
© Christopher
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