At Homestead I begin,
Where you reach deep into your valley,
To tug at my soul.
Your word is welcome,
And I dare not decline.
Into your quiet morning nestled away,
From the busy that lay below,
I stand and watch the sun reach over you.
You relieve your cross's shining light,
To take ownership of the day,
From oversight of those whose weary eyes,
Slept safe under His watchful eye.
The shadow you throw so early,
A reminder of who I am,
And as it follows,
Of where I am yet headed.
Though I know not where this path may lead,
I do know this:
Where it goes,
I will follow.
Hard-packed dirt on rock to guide me,
I race the shadows up your gently steeping hand.
The valleys shy to wake,
As the hillsides welcome morning's glory.
Each peek behind ensures your promise.
Your cousins rise up and beckon,
A far reach across the homeland prairies.
I hope one day to meet them.
Wildflowers strive for the sun and my heart.
Grasshoppers chirr and butterflies flutter.
Set together with the songbirds,
The hillside is alive.
Your perfume is pine where they peel back the sun,
Standing tall over old friends,
Who among lush greens beneath their canopy,
Have come to find their rest.
Then at your summit you open fully to me.
I watch the sun mingle with the clouds,
Their melody playing out on the earth below,
The satin shimmer of sunlight dancing on the shores at your feet.
And though I could not see the path ahead,
I can surely see the path behind.
You've given your reward so kindly,
For the effort I have given to you.
Your freedom pardons me my burdens,
And in this moment,
There's nowhere I long to be,
But here with you,
To feel your nature,
And know why the call you Lucky.
