Trailside Magnificat

You, chanting in my eardrums, forever driving me forward, upwards and always—round the next bend, are the one who called me to this place.

As this crumbly path of rock rises beneath my feet, world without end, and my nerves are lulled to rest by a continual, gritty churning that processes like the ageless tides, you are here.

You are the taste of water from my canister, the frosty air that fills my lungs; I pull You in and rejoice.

My breath, rising like incense in this alpine air, wafts praises skyward.

The swirl of pinyon pines surrounding me and the bravura of building monsoon clouds in the distance all stand testament to Your presence.


“Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”
-St. Patrick: 372 – 466CE


photo taken near Ouray, Colorado