By Chris Tuffley | March 4th, 2021
Taranaki and the setting sun from Ruapehu
The bear climbed over the mountain To see what he could see What a song to stifle A kid's curiosity. The other side of the mountain – Of course that's all that's there! I'll go climb no mountain – I'm no foolish bear!
Taranaki from Fanthams Peak
The other side of the mountain – You're sure that's all to see? In one who's not been up the peak I sense great certainty. Tell me then of what's to see: What trees are there? What birds, what rocks? And when you came back down again What burrs were on your socks?
Looking north from Sentinel Hill near Mt Owen, Kahurangi National Park
And as you climbed up that tall peak How did you find the air? Was it sweet, or cold and bleak, Or far too thin up there? What sounds there filled your senses – Did you hear birds that sing? The sigh of wind in great tall trees, The chirp of some small thing?
Ascending to the Ngamoko tops from Toka Biv, Ruahine Forest Park
Now tell me of the textures Of rock and snow and bark. Were they rough, or smooth to touch, The colours light or dark? And last of all your spirit Tell me, did it soar? Looking down on the world below At the wonder of it all?
Looking south along the Tararua Main Range from the slopes of Kahiwiroa,
Tararua Forest Park
The other side of the mountain –
Sure that's there to see.
But if you want to find what else
Why don't you come along with me?
The other side of the mountain –
I see there's more to know!
I'd love to join you on your trip
How soon can we go?
Overlooking Lake Hāwea, on the way up Breast Hill
Image credits: Chris Tuffley
To view the original children’s poem, “The Bear Went Over the Mountain,” click here.
