by Anne T. Phinney
A man hiked up a mountain
His devoted dog trotting alongside
The stunning view swept out before him
Its beauty swelled his soul with pride.
In that moment there arose
An urgency to glance back
At all whom he had touched and loved
Respect he did not lack
The middle boy of four children
Best friends his siblings were they
Who created a rustic paradise
Where youth could wander and play
Along the way an Aussie lass
Agreed to give him her hand
They forged a union deep and true among
Lakes and trees of this glorious land
It wasn’t long before these two
Embraced two tiny tykes
They raised them up, showed them the way
To run, to ski, and to hike
After childhood the girls moved away
Each forged her own designated path
He and she wished them well and wept
But never held them back
Ten months each year, he inspired kids
To live an active and healthy life
Take care of the team and play it clean
To always do what’s right
His colleagues glimpsed within this man
A goodness that was ample
His friendly concern, and gentle manner
Influenced them to behave by his example
Once he had lived it all over again
He smiled for what a life is worth
Then gripped the fur of his golden pup
and eased himself to earth
In a final moment the sun sank low
He uttered a fond farewell
Then Taps began to play from Heaven
And the man exited his earthly shell
A Man hikes up a mountain
Leaves his loyal dog behind
The panoramic view below now
Shrinks with every step he climbs
God is nigh
Anne Phinney, a teacher at Town of Webb School, wrote this poem in memory Dave Leach, her friend, colleague and neighbor.