The Poetry of Alfhild Berg Salls
KJAERE NORGE
"Pa solen jeg ser"
Thus my father did sing;"Jeg elsker dette landet"
My mother chimed in.And so, from the earliest time I remember,
My heart ever turned to that land far away;A land of great mountains where snow ever lingers,
Where the sun, in the summer, turns nighttime to dayI finally found it, this land of enchantment,
With my youth far behind, and my hair somewhat gray.I gazed with delight at the towering granite,
At the waterfalls plunging their way to the bay.The purple of 'Lyng" and the green of the forest
Clothed the hard granite in color and charm.The gray scudding clouds and the filtering sunlight
Cast shadows of mystery o'er the fjords searching arms.And so, from the earliest time I remember,
My heart ever turned to that land far away;A land of great mountains where snow ever lingers,
Where the sun, in the summer, turns nighttime to dayI finally found it, this land of enchantment,
With my youth far behind, and my hair somewhat gray.I gazed with delight at the towering granite,
At the waterfalls plunging their way to the bay.The rain fell in torrents or filtered down gently
Each day as I traveled along Norway's coast.Yet, despite the dampness, my heart warmed within me
As I wandered my way from host to kind host.Wherever I went, arms of welcome extended,
The coffee was on, and the sandwiches made.Special Norsk treats were prepared for my pleasure--
Raspebal, romegrot--and so, on I stayed!Nowhere, I am sure, were there ever kinsman
More thoughtful, and helpful, and gracious, and warm:Up high on the vidda--down low on the coastline--
In cities, so crowded, and lons valley farm.My last trip on the Trollfjord!--The sun set in glory,
And there, to the east, in the sun's afterglow,The moon, almost full, appeared o'er the mountains
Creating a path on the waters below.And now, as I leave the "land of my fathers",
Bits of my heart I must leave behind.I can see why my parents sang songs of remembrance
With eyes dimmed with tears for a land heart-enshrined.Alfhild J. SallsThis was written during Mom's trip to Norway in 1973. This was the view from her cousins mountain cottage...There are 11 verses...Keep scrolling down until you see her name.
