As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.
John Muir
Cardinal at Fall Creek Falls
You called with a tiny voice
rising cheerfully through the woods,
your little red-winged body blazing bright
against a backdrop of misty blue and green,
the clear notes of your song
ringing above the thunderous drumbeat
of water falling on stone
in the canyon floor below.
You were a wonder as great
as the magnificent cascade at your back -
calmly balanced there on the edge
of a cliff
singing that familiar tune.
I will always remember you
lingering there a moment
As the mist from the great waterfall
kissed my face - and I smiled.
Then your wings took you away.
Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee.
The falls in this park are mostly below you in a deep gorge.
A magical place where the rainbows are below you
I stopped at this park, Fall Creek Falls, in Tennessee for a couple of nights on my way home to Michigan. It rained hard both nights I was there - but during the day, there was just enough respite from the rain to get in some long hikes. I loved other places I visited on the way, but this park was really something special. It is well cared for and loved by everyone who works and volunteers there, and I had such a good experience being there. I hope I get a chance to go back.
I hope you had a good winter and spring! I hope you get outside wherever you live and find something that takes your breath away or at least makes you smile every single day. Just a few minutes of respite from whatever worries you. I’ll try to do the same, and I’ll see you here again soon.
“Every day I walk out into the world / to be dazzled, then to be reflective.”
