Blue In The Valley
by @rocketgrrrl
Liner Notes
#folk #girlwithukulele #flute #queer
When they were much younger - and so was I - my child and I hiked a little of the Appalachian Trail. Our packs were heavy, we had climbed quite a ways, and we had started late. We kept up the pace with songs and stories. I remember meeting a woman - who was at the time around the age I am now - who asked me my 'trail name.'
I don't think I knew myself well enough then to answer correctly. They say you sometimes meet yourself when you walk far enough. I wonder if we never really meet ourselves until the end, when we fully understand who we are.
Thought about performing this one on my mountain dulcimer, but I really liked the baritone ukulele better for it. It's in response to the #dailywritingprompt, which had the phrase "blue hills" from the poem "Tattered Hope" by #carlsandburg.
Lyrics
Blue in the Valley
Jemma Kline
One thousand feet up to the ridgeline, blue in the valley down below.
I met her there, along the lakeside, with silver hair just like my own.
Though that was then, and I was younger, face not yet shaped by all these years,
So when she smiled and asked my trail name, I couldn’t tell her what I feared.
I think you’re me,
Whom I’ve met walking.
I think you’re me,
Whom I’ve met here.
For I’ll be free,
Now that I’m walking.
Yes, I’ll be free,
Now that I’m here.
I brought my child along that ridgeline, the one whose dreams I surely know.
We walked till nighttime, telling stories, singing songs, skipping stones.
And still today, when we’re together, we share our wishes and our fears,
Those Blue Ridge Mountains reflect our memories; those Blue Ridge Mountains reflect our tears.
I think you’re me,
Whom I’ve met walking.
I think you’re me,
Whom I’ve met here.
For I’ll be free,
Now that I’m walking.
Yes, I’ll be free,
Now that I’m here.
(flute)
I’m still high atop that ridgeline, seeing far, and breathing clear.
And I will walk it to the ending, where at the last, I will be me.
I think you’re me,
Whom I’ve met walking.
I think you’re me,
Whom I’ve met here.
For I’ll be free,
Now that I’m walking.
Yes, I’ll be free,
Now that I’m here.
Comments
I dig the actual travel aspect in this write that meets and maps with the narrator's life journey. Fab metaphor used to express such points and bring about a fine, heart-touching lyric, teaching/guiding lyric.
In song I love the delicateness that reveals the beauty, power, and importance of a life traveling, realizing, accepting. The wise one is the one who sees, no matter if born blind, or blind by an unwillingness to see.
Truly a fine write here in this work that climbs high in song! Thanks for sharing!