James B. Earley

A Mountain Speaks

That distant valley
Far below
Was I...as a child
........Eons ago

I've known great happiness
Shared...such strife
As that of the dinosaur
Struggling for life

From a simple existence
I've seen Man grow
In the scheme of evolution
I'll watch......him go

I question......my being
Invariably...I find
.....A mere speck of sand
On......God's beach...of time


Author's note: The poem addresses Mt. Tamalpais, geographically to the immediate north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. (The Mountain is sometimes known as 'The Sleeping Maiden, ' of Native American legend.) From my home, overlooking the northeastern perimeter of San Francisco Bay, I am blessed with a spectacular panorama of this magnificent creation! Viewing the Mountain, north to south, one can imagine the figure of a reclining female with an abundance......of long...flowing hair.

During periods of intense reflection, considering the Mountain....its splendor...its circumstance...its aggregate history...its future...its reticent humility...and the arrogant juxtaposition of Mankind, I often wondered, should the Mountain speak...What would it have to say? This work is the manifestation of untold hours of meditative thought.......a spiritual rendition of extraordinary.....time....and place!

Thanks to Rani Turton......whose observation was the catalyst inspiring the author's remark....

Poem Submitted: Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Poem Edited: Monday, June 3, 2013

Comments about A Mountain Speaks by James B. Earley

  • Akhtar Jawad (4/18/2018 6:49:00 PM)

    Beautiful is the sleeping mountain and beautiful is the poem describing it.

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  • Jr CuyamJr Cuyam (3/31/2016 1:07:00 AM)

    Very inspiring write. I hope I could make one like this ;)

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  • Shirley Hanley (1/3/2010 3:34:00 PM)

    This poem has many layers... I am very moved by your observations. I've probably seen that mountain [I was once a stewardess living in Burlingame]. We all are as grains of sand and together we form God's beach.

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  • Indira RenganathanIndira Renganathan (7/14/2009 12:49:00 AM)

    I agree with all other comments....wordless more I clap...keep clapping...and...may my endless clapping reach that speaking mountain...special clapping for thoe last two lines....awesome

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  • Mimi Fakhira (5/12/2009 7:08:00 PM)

    There's a lot of benefit by reading this page. My heart is touched by the beautiful words and inspired me to write more good poems... and I also got to learn a bit of history and geography! ! ! Thanks a lot.10++++++ from me......

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  • Reshma Ramesh (5/6/2009 9:04:00 AM)

    what a beautiful write.................. you have truly spoken for the mountain....well penned

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  • Cathryn Adeli (2/20/2009 11:24:00 AM)

    oh yes, it is so and it is not so. what happened so long ago. i also have a sleeping lady. she lays between the blue of sky and sea. i will put it my poems, tomorrow just for you. amazing this time i did not vote and the comment area came to life. dunno. but love it. thanks for sharing

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  • Chitra - (10/15/2008 5:03:00 AM)

    a philosophical read, with profound thought weaved flawlessly

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  • Jean Mallette (9/12/2008 12:53:00 PM)

    Though beautifully concise, the vivid imagery speaks volumes. Excellent rendering of man's minute position in God's Timelessness.

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  • Olivia Estampador (8/23/2008 11:47:00 AM)

    I read some of your poems...not only are they well written, they are also well- thought! It seems like in each poems, you reflect deeply on things and circumstances you encounter. Each of us have our own unique interpretations about poems. I hope my interpretation hits your own even a little. The mountain speaks... it has spoken to you during your quiet times. As you gazed at the mountain's beauty, you began to think of your worth, your existence. At the end, you realized again that you are a mere speck of sand in the world... you may be insignificant to others but still, you are important to others no matter how few they are. I believe that God uses things and people to help and talk to us. Just think of how he used Mt. Talapaise to connect with you...

    By the way, thanks for your comment.

    God bless and take care.

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  • Ivor Hogg (8/18/2008 3:05:00 PM)

    Very yrue my friend man is an insignificant speck in the vastness of creation

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  • Satheesan RangorathSatheesan Rangorath (8/14/2008 11:34:00 PM)

    Dear Mr.James B.Earley
    It is very refreshing to read your cute poems. I think Mnt. Talapaise is really influencing your verses with her beauty and magnanimity. I read some of of your poems they are great. For your kind information I do not feel I am matured enough to write comments about your poems as my exprience is English literature is very minimal, I studied commerce and Law both subjects drains away one's artistic talents. So here I am posting my poems inroder to tease all of you.
    Greetings
    Satheesan rangorath

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  • Assorted Thoughts (8/10/2008 6:37:00 PM)

    This is truly a work of art.

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  • Kesav EaswaranKesav Easwaran (8/1/2008 10:03:00 PM)

    Beautiful meaningful write, James...in fact it is you who speaks here, the mountain responding to your words in your mind...10/10

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  • Lourdes Schopenhauer (7/28/2008 5:16:00 PM)

    You speak like the father of our fathers, wise and grand but always at level. Written in such a way that one can hear your voice like a sunset coming up behind the mountain.
    My native lakota blood touched base here for a moment. Thank you.

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  • Bob Gibson (7/28/2008 4:51:00 PM)

    James! I'm gobsmacked! not only withy your poem, but with your poets notes! , you are saved as one of my favorite poets! thank you, regards Bob

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  • Bonnie Collins (7/21/2008 11:26:00 PM)

    James what a beautifull and peacefull write, it is so filled with beauty and warmth.. This is absolutly wonderfull..... I am so glad I have read this..... You have a magnificent mind....

    Bonnie

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  • Shelley L Baxter-stanley (7/11/2008 1:58:00 AM)

    James this is Beautiful! You reflect so well...and share your sightings so magnificently.....I Love the insight you weaved into this piece of art.
    Thanx so much for sharing with us...............
    ((smile))
    Shelley

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  • Dawn Slanker (7/7/2008 1:43:00 PM)

    You gave her a beautiful and spiritual voice. Wonderful poem.

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  • Katherine Wiley (6/17/2008 12:53:00 AM)

    A very original thought-the reflections of a mountain which has been here before man and will be after. A good read. Kate

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A Mountain Speaks