When I say Waterfall I Mean...

On Saturday, January 13, I traveled to Glen Falls, my favorite spot on Lookout Mountain. I discovered that even with the cold weather, the number of people on the trail exceeded any hope of solitude. Nevertheless, I did snag some alone time to grab audio and video recordings and a few still shots.

Back home, I attended the online monthly meeting of the Poetry Society of Tennessee. This month’s meeting was a generative poetry workshop. The presenter gave us four prompts, each followed by time to write. I wrote a poem from each of the three prompts which I typed up Monday morning.

For the fourth prompt, I wrote a prose piece that I am willing to share.

When I Say Waterfall, I Mean:

The air was so cold my fingers could not bend to click the shutter.

I feared my ears would freeze as I listened to the microphone.

I hoped the recording device could catch the undertones and notes of water moving earth to fertile deltas before seeking freedom In the sea.

Another day the sun was so hot I waded in the pool and climbed out with chilled feet that welcomed the boards of the bridge baking in the sun.

Nature’s sounds no longer fade when I put on hearing aids and the parabolic microphone, but this joy is transient and will fade.

I wonder what sounds I will hear when I am in the earth and becoming Earth as I hope to avoid the embalmer's abomination.

I once placed a shell to my ear and heard the roar of the sea transporting me to walk the sands of Cape Cod, Assateague Island, Edisto Beach, and even the docks at Key West.

The sound beckoned me to travel again and seek the surf breaking on the shore.

Does the sound of the waterfall inspire you to write? I would love to see your response in the comments.

My Upcoming Events:

On January 23, I will lead a generative nature poetry workshop at The Chattery. Advance registration is required. See the link above for details.

On February 3, I will lead a nature prose writing program at Audubon Acres. Advance registration is required. See the link above for details.

On February 3, I will help The Chattanooga Audubon Society celebrate the 146th anniversary of their founder, Robert Sparks Walker’s birth by giving a presentation about Walker. https://www.chattanoogaaudubon.org/rswbday.html. This year is the 80th anniversary of Chattanooga Audubon’s founding.

The rest of this post is for paid subscribers.