Gathering in the Valley
©2025 Susan Noyes Anderson
image from Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
No strangers to the rocky plains were these.
The rugged mountains tore no virgin feet
on this (their last) descent, made bittersweet
by absent souls, carried in memories.
For now, at least, the gathering was at hand
(the ending Saints envisioned from the start);
when they, with heavy hands and heavier heart,
left home and hearth to find a kinder land.
Their courage bought for them a brand new day,
a day of freedom found and justice done.
In Zion, they would live in peace, as one –
and none would come to steal that peace away.
This was the place – their place – to build, to stay.
∞§∞
These early pioneers fled to Utah to escape religious persecution. Their story of courage, determination, and sacrifice is a compelling one. Despite their struggles, they would often gather around the campfire in the evenings to share their faith, uniting their voices in singing what has become a favorite LDS hymn, All Is Well. When they arrived in what is now Salt Lake City, their prophet (Brigham Young) declared with certainty, “This is the place.” A monument now stands where that proclamation was made. Today, July 24th is celebrated as Pioneer Day by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the world.
If this poem resonates with you, you might also enjoy reading Counterparts, The Path of Discipleship, and Zionbound: Tribute to a Female Pioneer.
Tags: handcarts, LDS church, LDS history, Mormons, pioneers, Pionner day, religious persecution, Salt Lake City, This is the place, wagon trains, Zion
