My days within these grooves are numbered, soon,
The piper will be paid to play a different tune,
Of plots and plans, of futures, I’ll not speak,
Though, in my silence, I seem to others, weak,
Whispers reach my ears, dangerous talk!
Thank God I can retreat into the valley walk,
Here is peace, where my thoughts are my own
Here the tears drop from my eyes that are alone,
Here in solitude do I stand and truly pray,
For my lord, my dearest friend, who’s present always,
Endowed me with power to fight menacing brute beings,
Those below, and forces in higher places unseen,
And if I shall stumble,by grace, I shall regain composure,
To finally speak of him who bestrides earth and sky…the arbiter,
While I give thanks, on bended knee, along the valley walk.