Clinging to a pumpkin leaf
The monarch’s fuzzy wings unfurled
To coal-black splotches ringed in orange
A tiny jewel in the world
Wild flowers glowed with dew
The monarch’s thread-like tongue uncurled
To drink the nectar, sweet and clear
A tiny jewel in the world
When the shimmering sun was high
The azure sky with clouds was swirled
Up—up—the monarch soared away
A tiny jewel in the world
Sunset streaking bright across the sky
A Midwestern show of Northern lights
A Master Painter’s canvas hung so high
Iridescent colors flung like kites
A backdrop of the richest purple hue
Blending upward to a royal blue
In contrast to the flaming yellow glow
At the horizon that in upward flow
Alights on layered clouds in dark repose
Transforming into fuchsia, ruby, rose
And shines up to illuminate still higher
Great arcs of orange fluorescent fire
In minutes this dramatic show will fade
To engulf the sky in night and shade
But still the Artist paints it at this hour
To remind us of His love and power
The water, dark from midnight sleep
Now mirrors lines of radiant glow
From morning clouds of brilliant gold
That with the rising sun’s rays flow
While jeweled rocks and lapping waves
Clad in magnificent attire
The ever-widening path of glass
On which advances the ball of fire
Climbing mountains – upward trail
Step by step this height to scale
Gurgling brook measuring time
On a long and steadfast climb
Climbing mountains – up so high
Rolling peaks touch clear blue sky
So far above our place and time
The height, the power of the climb
Climbing mountains – safe retreat
The place where sky and mountains meet
Towering rocks stand strong through time
A shelter from the weary climb
Climbing mountains – heart aglow
Traveling back to earth below
Hold this treasure for all time
The hope, the victory of the climb
