The hiker climbs a mountain and explores forests thick with unknowns.
Her senses sift through myriad notions.
She brushes against thriving sages of centuries past,
inhales their pine scent, absorbs the strength inherent in knotted bark,
and she’s encouraged.She moves through damp, shady inner woods,
climbs over stripped impressions, weathered limbs, and rotting leaves–
the decay atop nature’s compost long ago felled by weak ideas.
She scrutinizes muck for a hint of green or fibrous thread–
any viable root she can claim as her own,
She wraps an inkling in warm thoughts and sets it inside a sensitive pouch.
Her soft words soothe it. Her tenacity infuses confidence,
and she continues her trek up the high peak.
At summit’s edge she witnesses endless possibilities
Stratified hues and layered perspectives flow to the horizon
and the wind frees her from stale, worn-out conceptions.
The hiker shapes her parcel’s substance
and her mind’s eye spins its tale.
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Photos 1 & 4: Views from Equinox Mountain summit, Green Mountains, VT
Photo 2: A view from the woods around Lake Luzerne, NY
Photo 3: A view from the woods around Tupper Lake, NY
Photo 5: View from Whteface Mountain summit, Lake Placid, NY
All photos were taken with a Nikon 7100 camera with a Nikkor VR 18-105mm/ 3.5-5.6G lens by Joann Pensabene
Thanks so much Jo for the breathtakingly beautiful photos and poetry that goes along with them. I honestly thought that the photos were “professional” photos and had to read your credits at the bottom to realize you took them all. It is such a pleasure to enjoy your growth and progress as you fulfill your dreams of marrying photography and poetry. With this offering you have done yourself proud! (I especially love your poetry. Just when it seems quite linear, you throw in a curve that makes me think!)
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Thanks for your lovely words, Bigi. I really feel close to this post. And, my friend, your support means a lot to me.
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Wow… The words are even more beautiful than the pictures. This is like a painting when I read it. Thank you! Love this one! I will read it again…
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Thanks, Sally. I’m so happy the poem speaks to you.
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