(x = space)

x

x

The A T

(from Maine to Georgia)

x

The trail goes

Uphill and down

Around big cities,

I imagine,

Nearer to small towns

x

There is a station

Near me,

Which must be

A welcome sight

To trail-goers

x

I should

Go in sometime,

Though I’m

Not qualified

Having only walked

The trail

For an hour or so

x

I doubt

There are brandy kegs

Or Saint Bernards

To go with them

x

There might be

Maps,

Maybe words

Of encouragement

Left by other hikers,

Other errants,

Other pilgrims

x

Who wanted to

Accomplish something

Or own some

Really long spells

For thinking

Or simply

Had to take

A long, long walk

x

Safety can’t be

Guaranteed,

As it is an adventure

x

C L Couch

x

x

We hiked up Blood Mountain in a thick mist, the air sharp and refreshing as the clouds shifted around us at shoulder height. When we reached the summit, we found ourselves perfectly sandwiched between two cloud shelves. For the most part, our view was white and void for a nondescript distance, but for moments here and there, mountains and valleys emerged, both in the blankets of clouds and visible briefly beneath.

Photo by Mitchell Griest on Unsplash

Blood Mountain Shelter, Blairsville, United States

x

Appalachian National Scenic Trail (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

x

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

x