The Peaks
The Peaks - meaning Summary
Yearning Peaks Seek Purpose
The poem follows a chorus of mountain peaks addressing God across night, morning, and evening. Each stanza contrasts the peaks' isolation and longing with human activity and light, shifting requests from movement to speech to quiet acceptance. Repeated self-descriptions—humble, idle, futile—express yearning for purpose but end in resignation to divine wisdom and patience. The closing night returns to solitude, underlining continuity of their devotional stance.
Read Complete AnalysesIn the night Grey heavy clouds muffled the valleys, And the peaks looked toward God alone. 'O Master that movest the wind with a finger, Humble, idle, futile peaks are we. Grant that we may run swiftly across the world To huddle in worship at Thy feet.' In the morning A noise of men at work came the clear blue miles, And the little black cities were apparent. 'O Master that knowest the meaning of raindrops, Humble, idle, futile peaks are we. Give voice to us, we pray, O Lord, That we may sing Thy goodness to the sun.' In the evening The far valleys were sprinkled with tiny lights. 'O Master, Thou that knowest the value of kings and birds, Thou hast made us humble, idle futile peaks. Thou only needest eternal patience; We bow to Thy wisdom, O Lord - Humble, idle, futile peaks.' In the night Grey heavy clouds muffled the valleys, And the peaks looked toward God alone.
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