The Lowland Years

For years in the lowlands, I felt like A misfit piece jammed into a puzzle It's tempting to forget that time But aren't those years mine? Sweet, frail sparks of friendship Never quite became flames I've gone and I doubt much there has changed Say I was meant to softly brush those few souls New hills break a storm in my heart I learned I love forests, that I always have I found out how adventurous my spirit is I felt how there's sadness in most goodbyes Even when you are glad to move on I saw what courage and faith it takes To start over again, again I no longer wave off the deep gift of words And though the holy tongue humbles me I've found some holiness in my first language In how it bonds me with others Low hills of Lachish, rich and earthy Your cows and vineyards made me grin Your long summers grew not yellow but golden Don't worry, you were always good Once-home hills, you were always good I learned I love forests, that I always have I found out how adventurous my spirit is I felt how there's sadness in most goodbyes Even when you are glad to move on I saw what courage and faith it takes To start over again, again