Poetry from the Appalachian Trail
Five senses
Mountain Top Moments
Dark green, brown green, hunter green Soft mossy-green Silent cushioning, cradling feet-seats Mountains as far as the eye can see Dirt trails Only sound My feet Sharp rocks Sloping down down down down This moment I don’t mind Their cold knives cutting into sore feet Because The Views Eyes wet Nose tingles Tears fall Heart sings Quick kisses Fleeting rest Finding joy Eating pain Stretching, pounding All the way To Katahdin
Strong
Insurmountable Mounted Impossible Astounded 100 miles How can I get up that high? Use a tree Use a knee Sit down Turn around No right way Just ups and downs Muscles stronger On everyday’s climb Pain screams softer At the end of each night Joys multiply Soul shining Spirit climbing Just like my legs
Sweet Relief Bright blue sky Backdrop for glistening branches Jutting rocks Icicles dangling Captivating my mind Cold seeping into my bones Until Slice It cuts me Stinging No blood Just a feeling like never before That refuses to be shaken I want a hot bath to warm me No! I’m deep in the mountains Go! Go as fast as you can! Push the blood through faster. This is a disaster. I cannot get warm. Until. Wrapped up in rain gear. Stop the wind. I’m wrapped in plastic. Keep moving. Keep moving fast. Warming up slowly. Warming up at last. Relief.