So Far Away

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It seems so far away

This land that I prefer

This land lies North of Idaho

The place to which I refer.

***

It takes in all Alaska

And Canada's lonely North

I pause here to dream a bit

Of the day I go forth

***

When I finally up and sieze my dream

When I venture beyond my turf

When I up and leave my nest

And take a measure of my worth

***

There is something about this land

That can test the insides of a man

To see what you are made of

Whether you can do what few others can

***

It's more than cold and beauty

Although it has that and more

It can change you from the inside-out

And make you better than before.

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It humbles and gives perspective

When you gaze upon it's scene

It turns you from selfish service

And makes you more serene

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And as you contemplate it's maker

And scan it's breadth and height.

It brings you closer to the Lord

Who created all in sight.

***

From the shore of the mighty Yukon

To some lonely Arctic beach

The land speaks aloud a sermon

Better than any man can preach

***

It testifies to the greater God

It magnifies His power.

For when the Master made the Northland

It was His finest hour.

***

Amen

***

by Ranger Bill Harrington