A Girl

She climbed a giant tree, wind blowing, Tree swaying

Fear gripped her yet she kept climbing.

Looking out above the trees, wind hitting her face she felt reverence.

Courage was her reward.

She jumped into a running river, current pulling,

Water choking, gasping though she swam hard to the other side.

Standing looking back dripping wet, legs shaking she felt strong

Strength was her reward.

She looked out over the cliff into the lake, sun burning,

Knees shaking, tears stinging, and yet she jumped.

Rushing water filled her ears, eyes opened she looked up.

Pulling her body toward the light she swam up out of the darkness.

Face exploding above the water she breathed deeply and she smiled.

Faith was her reward.

One morning looking back I longed for the girl who climbed the highest trees

Who swam the roughest rivers and jumped from the highest cliffs.

Where had she gone?

I looked within the mirror and saw a woman staring back.

I looked into her eyes and I saw

Courage because of all the things she’s learned to do even though she has feared.

Strength because she has learned to keep going forward through struggles and see that there is a peaceful side to reach for.

Faith because she has learned to look up when things are dark and move toward the light.

Never underestimate the power of a girl who climbs trees, swims rivers and jumps from cliffs.
Someday she may have the power to raise a family in righteousness, with courage giving strength to all who come after her, because she had the faith to always turn toward the light.

Laurie Milliron June 23, 2008