We arrive at Divis Mountain
only to find it shrouded in mist.
As our walk begins
we can’t see the mountainside or sky
and certainly no sun!
Silence all around
no birdsong,
no cows mooing,
no voices.
A few yards ahead
dark figures disappear
into the mist.

This feels surreal.

We decide to keep going
for one reason only –
we have walked this road
many times
and we know that if we take our time
and follow the road
we will arrive at the summit
safe and sound.

We continue
and as we pant our way
up the steep road
the mist thins
and we catch a glimpse
of blue sky.
A few paces later
we step out of the mist altogether-
bright, blue skies above,
white, fluffy clouds below us
and the sun on our faces!

I find myself thinking
about my friend,
who is going through a dark time
and sees no light
at the end of her tunnel.
I say a wee prayer
that my friend may step out bravely
each day
trusting her faith to lead her
through her dark mists
so that, before long,
she, too, may emerge
blinking and smiling
in the sunlight
once more.

© Claire Murray, 5th November 2020