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The Upward Trail
Do you ever think of heaven? Read the thoughts of the poet Douglas Malloch in this poem, The Upward Trail, as he wonders what heaven will be like. Will angels be singing? Will there be gates of pearl and streets paved with gold? Our imagination can create a place of beauty and peace when we think of heaven, but it will probably be far beyond anything we can imagine. Among the many poems about faith and eternity, this one reminds us that heaven is open to ordinary people who place their faith in God and seek to live with honesty and integrity.
Updated August 7, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
The Upward Trail
Poet: Douglas Malloch
Out in the dark wood all alone,
My only candle light a star,
I git to thinkin' of the things
Above the curtain blue an' far.
They say thet heaven is up there,
Thet there the great white angels sing;
I wonder if that misty cloud
Is not, perhaps, an angel's wing?
They say the gates are made of pearl.
They say the streets are paved with gold
And thet there ain't no night at all.
No winter wind, no rain er cold.
Sometimes I think I'd like to go
A-lookin' through that land so fair;
I wonder if they ever let
A timber cruiser in up there?
I guess a mackinaw won't do
Alongside of them angel suits;
Suppose a man'd dare to walk
On golden streets in cowhide boots?
The songs the shanty fellahs sing
On Sunday nights, when pipes are low.
Won't do up there at all, an' them's
The only kind of songs I know.
But I have heard some preacher tell.
Who'd seen it in a big black book,
That once there was a Cruiser who
From earth to heaven made a look.
This Cruiser, so the preacher said,
Was estimatin' for us all —
For timber cruisers jest as much
As some rich fellah in St. Paul.
"Believe in God, believe in men, be square,"
This preacher used to say,
"An' you will find the trail — for One
Has gone ahead an' blazed the way."
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Faith Is For Everyone
The speaker wonders if a simple timber cruiser could ever belong in heaven. The poem reminds us that God's love and His promises are for all people, regardless of their work, wealth, or position in life.
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Heaven Gives Us Hope
Looking at the stars and clouds leads the speaker to think about the beauty of heaven. Reflecting on the life to come can encourage us to face each day with hope and confidence.
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Live With Honesty And Integrity
The preacher's advice to believe in God, believe in others, and be fair is a reminder that character matters. Choosing honesty and treating people with respect helps us walk the right path each day.
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Jesus Has Blazed The Way
The closing lines remind us that we do not have to find our own way to heaven. Christ has already gone before us and shown the path for everyone who chooses to follow Him.
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God Looks Beyond Outward Appearances
The speaker humorously wonders if cowhide boots belong on streets of gold, but the message is deeper than the joke. God values the heart and the life we live more than our appearance or social standing.
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Simple Faith Leads Us Forward
The poem shows that faith does not have to be complicated. Trusting God, living honestly, and following His guidance are steps anyone can take on life's upward trail.
Popular Pages
If the message of The Upward Trail encouraged you, these popular pages offer more poems and quotes about heaven, faith, hope, and trusting God.
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Conclusion
The Upward Trail reminds us that faith is not reserved for the wealthy, important, or perfect. Through the thoughts of an ordinary timber cruiser, Douglas Malloch shows that God looks at the heart and welcomes all who believe, live honestly, and follow the path that Christ has prepared. We may not know exactly what heaven will be like, but we can move forward with hope, trusting that One has already gone ahead and shown us the way.
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