Celery Farm August 4, 2019

album

teenage self

Looking at a photo of me looking back

Looking over my shoulder at the camera

Sitting on a boulder with a pack on my back

Looking out at the view from the heights.

The boy is pleased with himself being there

Climbing the mountains of New Hampshire

Achieving the summit of Mount Washington

Proving himself capable of challenging hikes.

I had not seen this photo in almost 60 years

Though I remember it well having studied every detail

Since I used it to draw a self-portrait in pastels

Getting good results blending vivid colors.

That drawing was discarded along with all my things

Left behind in the house of my childhood

But the memory of the image stayed with me

Never forgetting being there above the treeline.

In my imagination I often go back to retrace the climb

Remembering the trail from the base camp up and up

Stepping on exposed roots on the worn trail

Following a streambed then endless switchbacks.

We were already tired when we stopped for lunch 

Before the steep ascent up the wall of Tuckerman Ravine

Getting hot and sweating though there was snow in the bowl

Then cresting the shoulder onto the cold windswept plain.

Above us the rock cone of the summit beckoned more effort

Struggling up from cairn to cairn scrambling over boulders

Resting to catch my breath and summon another burst

This mountain so rugged higher than I had ever climbed.

Waiting for everyone to make it to the top

Then descending in giant steps to Lakes of the Clouds

Passed by the hut boys loaded down with supplies

Going to the AMC shelter for our overnight stay.

Such a good memory to come back around

When I was on the verge of becoming my own person

When the horizon was distant and anything was possible

There for me to go and do whatever I liked.

Skylands August 1, 2019

album

a thing of beauty

A thing of beauty skillfully crafted

A solid oak table custom built for us

With four matching chairs we sit upon

Indulging ourselves in a fine possession.

The graceful symmetrical curve of the grain

Like waves of time upon the table top

Preserving the stately history of the tree

Pleases me as we enjoy our dinner at home.

The chairs so well designed for comfort

Shaped into lovely complementary lines

Arched backs and legs with contoured seats

Showing matching grain to unify the set.

The great oak that became this magnificent ensemble

Stood tall bearing acorns long before I was born

As likewise this furniture will remain long after I’m gone

Enhancing the lives of those fortunate to have it.