The Climb (a Ghazal) by RLL

As I climbed the mountain, it roared

Because you’re here, I climbed, I roared

If I climb you it’s because you’re adored

But you kick my rocks and dirt, it roared

On the way back all will be restored

The clouds were black, the thunder roared

Can I make it to a cave before it poured?

Shelter to your right, the mountain roared

The rain stopped, I thought I heard a chord

I am a holy mountain, again the voice roared

You have been chosen; so welcome aboard

What have I gotten myself into, I roared?

I shivered and cried, what do you want my Lord?

You will lead a group to safety, the voice roared

Humbled; Here I am, use me that I may be restored

Lightning struck, I was changed

and the mountain roared

Comments: 33

KittyKutabare aka Candy Pole May 2, 2012, 4:50am UTC

the rhythmic rolls at the base of lines is thick and rich like thunder marmalade~ much enjoyed~
Thanks for sharing in the Triple Name Club.

Richard Lynn Livesay May 2, 2012, 10:16am UTC

I can't ignore the thunderous roar...I thank you, KK

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wendy st. john-devereaux May 2, 2012, 8:26am UTC

thunderously good!

blessings

Richard Lynn Livesay May 2, 2012, 10:19am UTC

so glad you liked it, Wendy I'll probably be writing more form poems

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Darin Waugh May 2, 2012, 8:57am UTC

Nice!

Richard Lynn Livesay May 2, 2012, 10:19am UTC

appreciate the compliment, Darin

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JOHN BECK May 2, 2012, 8:57am UTC

Powerful metaphor in the last stanza.

Richard Lynn Livesay May 2, 2012, 10:21am UTC

I'm enjoying trying some of the forms I've learned, Appreciate, John

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stephen berwaldt May 2, 2012, 11:10am UTC

I'm trying to decide whether I see Moses in this, receiving the law, or Enoch, being translated from human to spirit in an instant... This poetry has elements of each, which intimates you heartfelt desire to be either... It has a generic spirituality to it which will appeal to many...
I appreciate its message...that is what we all hope for, is it not...transformation from what we are to something infinitely better?

Thank you submitting to Gathers Luminous Writers and Artists.

Richard Lynn Livesay May 2, 2012, 2:23pm UTC

Thank you for understanding the poem as it is a spiritual message...bless you

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ʚϊɞ Carol ʚϊɞ May 2, 2012, 12:11pm UTC

This reminds me of a song, The Climb...

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's on the other side
It's About The Climb

Thank you for sharing with The Surreal Circus.

Richard Lynn Livesay May 2, 2012, 2:25pm UTC

love these words and especially the poingnent endinging. Do you know the artist who wrote or sang?

ʚϊɞ Carol ʚϊɞ May 2, 2012, 2:40pm UTC

I am not a fan, but it was Miley Cyrus who sang it.
The writers are Jessi Alexander and John Mabe.

Richard Lynn Livesay May 2, 2012, 4:16pm UTC

thank you, carol...going to look up lyrics

ʚϊɞ Carol ʚϊɞ May 2, 2012, 4:23pm UTC

Here is a link Richard...

The Climb Lyrics

Richard Lynn Livesay May 2, 2012, 5:42pm UTC

thank you, Carol. I went over and read the lyrics. You definately extracted the heart of the song...and it did have a similar feeling but the the not caring what's on the other side but enjoying the journey is great philosophy

ʚϊɞ Carol ʚϊɞ May 2, 2012, 5:45pm UTC

I agree Richard. We all need to enjoy the journey of life, it is too short to do otherwise.

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Ann Marcaida May 2, 2012, 12:50pm UTC

Single mountains have a long history of representing God. I love that you combined the mountain image with the roaring lion of Christianity. Now featured at Examining Our Religion.

Richard Lynn Livesay May 2, 2012, 2:28pm UTC

appreciate the understanding...I love listening to Elvis sing "You gave me a Mountain" and i use to love to climb those magnificant creatures when I lived in New Mexico and Colo....Thanks so much for the feature, Ann

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Bill's Spirit May 2, 2012, 4:54pm UTC

Dag, Richard. You've snagged the powerful tone of the simple parable.

Applause !! Applause !!

Now Featured at The Surreal Circus

Richard Lynn Livesay May 2, 2012, 5:49pm UTC

I am honored (bowing) to be featured by the King of surrealism..Skoal!!

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Pamela Marks May 7, 2012, 10:39am UTC

Connie had you highlighted so I came to read your post

Richard Lynn Livesay May 7, 2012, 12:06pm UTC

appreciate your time and comment, Pamela

Pamela Marks May 7, 2012, 12:15pm UTC

you are welcome

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Sandra H. May 7, 2012, 10:57am UTC

I followed the link from Connie's post......I enjoyed this very much!

Richard Lynn Livesay May 7, 2012, 12:07pm UTC

thank you ...glad you enjoyed

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M L M. May 7, 2012, 1:08pm UTC

Neat.

Richard Lynn Livesay May 7, 2012, 1:50pm UTC

appreciate, MLM

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Magi the magical poet is flowing with the wind Jun 23, 2012, 8:18pm UTC

I like the message - thunderously expressed.

Richard Lynn Livesay Jun 23, 2012, 9:15pm UTC

sounds like you've been to the mountain...appreciate

Magi the magical poet is flowing with the wind Jun 25, 2012, 8:21pm UTC

And also to the deepest cave.

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Alison H. Aug 4, 2012, 6:21pm UTC

Powerfully penned! Just marvelous.

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Ratandeep Satwant Singh Aug 25, 2012, 3:34pm UTC

I loved the metaphor you used to describe God here. The metrical form of the verse is hypnotically refreshing. Reading this powerful piece is a very humbling experience, indeed! Great job, Richard and thank you very much for sharing it.

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The Climb (a Ghazal) by RLL

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Comments: 33

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