“The world,” said one who knew very well, “is too much with us.” 1
But it doesn’t have to be.
It, too, can be delegated to a more proper place.
Slide into near oblivion,
Become much less commanding,
Loose its tenacious hold –
Though still present.
Alas! It does not happen per chance
Nor just for the wishing.
Asking it to go is yet a beginning
But making it loose traction is purposeful work.
A move to the mountains is not possible
For many who wish it
But for us, it came as a something better gift
From the Most Generous One.
Here, up here, where heaven feels closer,
Where peace and quietude reign,
Causing reflection and connection,
Purifying purpose,
Sanctifying sacrifice,
Wondering while wandering walks. 2
Times when words aren’t needed,
For Mother Nature herself speaks,
So often so breathtakingly beautifully.
Words, then, would only detract.
And so one stands in awe in the mountains
This holy place where the world has moved away
And rightly made more time
For He whose home it is.
Notes:
1. See William Wordsworth’s poem: “The World is Too Much With Us.”
https://poets.org/poem/world-too-much-us
2. The phrase was inspired by the Christian hymn, “I Wonder as I Wander,” written by John Jacob Niles.