I never climbed the mountains grand
that tower over valleys low,
that reach into the heavens high
and man with fear and awe bestow.
I've never plumbed the ocean's floor
or waves alive with teeming life,
the coral reefs and underworld
with size and shapes and colors rife.
I've yet to take to air alone,
on billowed cloth or gliding span,
and probably will not ever do
all things that searching mankind can.

But I have had a tiny babe
wrap reaching fingers 'round my thumb,
and had the warmth of love enfold me
in its arms when day is done.
I've seen the golden orb of life 
break forth beyond the ocean's spray,
and linger casting awesome skies
for all to see at end of day. 
I've watched the tiny hummingbird
of fearless size in hovering flight;
and seen the wild river gallop through
the gorge from fearsome height.

And so if now my God should choose
to say my time is up, and call...
Why, I could calmly take His hand,
for I have had it all.
 ©   Joyce P. Hale

Photo by J.P.Hale