Above The Mist Poem by David Wood

Here in the valley where the river runs through,
Mist may swirl over houses and factories during
Mild winter months. You rise up above the valley
And you can see where the mist wanders.

Either side of the river a path threads its way
For cyclists and walkers alike with several walk
Bridges that cross the river. Either side of which
Trees line the banks, some at crazy angles.

The river flows fast at times of heavy rain carrying
Trees and their branches towards the sea three
Miles away, along with plastic bottles and fast-food
Wrappers chucked in by people in a hurry.

It is along these paths that I wander for miles during
Dry days. When Clara was alive it didn't matter if
We got wet, but she is now sniffing trees and posts
In a doggy heaven, so I try and keep dryish.

We have a hill, a small 600 odd metre hill, covered
In pine, aspen, alder and oak as well as many silver
Birch trees where magpies, bluebirds, robins and
Sparrows chat about the weather and busy squirrels.

A rough stone and earth paths winds wearily to the
Summit that is now guarded by phone masts. Over
The decades nature has cut rain furrows into the
Steep winding paths by the amount of rain we get.

At the summit, above the mist, you have a view of the
Docks and sandy bay that sweeps through an arc for
Six or seven kilometres. You look at the horizon beyond
Vision where occasional ships may be seen sailing

From here to there lost in their own thoughts, having
Waved goodbye to one safe port to be welcomed at
Another somewhere on the distant horizon where
Hooded men in hi-vi jackets will unload their cargos.

At the summit you can gather scattered thoughts, or
like me, bring a camping stove and have a small meal.
There is nothing higher, only the sky smiling down on
Sunny days, or laughing at you during a heavy shower.

Then you scramble down looking for even ground, but
There is none. Heading downwards the magpies and
crows stare in wonder at the foolish humans that can't
Fly. They are the cleaver ones as they squark in laughter.