Gathering Memories

Post date: May 09, 2016 5:54:20 PM

Still resting the leg in Daleville. With lots of time, I wrote this poem:

From Springer to Katahdin,

The hopeful ones trod,

Gathering thoughts along the way.

Where will this take me?

Where have I been?

Onward to Maine,

Onward they go,

Gathering vistas along the way.

Blood Mountain in Georgia, the Smokies add Clingmans,

On to Max Patch, then McAfee too,

Showing off heights, with spectacular views.

With packs they struggle,

One step, one more,

Gathering aches along the way.

Blisters come first, which can't be ignored,

Then ankles and arches,

Knees and some more.

Northward they plod, many miles per day,

Gathering bird songs along the way.

Juncos are trilling as morning comes nigh,

Warblers are talking and migrating by,

Thrushes echo from woods that are deep,

Saying, "Come in", nay, but I sleep.

The horde sees Polaris,

Hither they go,

Gathering blossoms along the way.

Early ephemerals lighten the load,

Anemones dance as the gusting wind blows.

Hepaticas, bloodroot, spring beauties delight,

Offering elegance as day turns to night.

The swarm knows it's bearing,

It follows the scouts,

Gathering friendships along the way.

East coast to west, from whence they come,

Trail names chosen, fitting for some.

Stories abound, kinship is held,

Just offer "thru hike" and all will be well.

The trail still beckons, more miles to go,

The clock is still ticking,

Katahdin the goal.

Who will yet summit?

Who will be whole?