A series of essays and poems.....
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| THE PINKS AND PURPLE MISTS OF THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS ~A HISTORY OF BEAUTY, WAR, INDIGENOUS AMERICANS AND HARD WORK~ |
.....as seen through my eyes!
By: Jacqueline E. Hughes
With blades of grass and stone, alike, immortally drenched in cold rain and blood,
The history that surrounds this dampened paradise attracts the brave and the bold.
Can you feel the past running through your lug-bottom soles as you walk each path and trail? And, weapon of choice strapped ‘round your neck waiting to capture and behold,
Each footstep marked in crooks and crannies...marching, marching without fail.
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| THIS BEAUTIFUL BARN LIVES BETWEEN MAGGIE VALLEY AND IRON DUFF, NORTH CAROLINA |
Dilapidated barn just around the bend, if only you could talk to me this sunny day;
I know what you might say to this wayward traveler so keen on capturing your image.
“Cling righteously to what’s transpired, before my hat of rusty tin and swayback walls near collapse. Lambs and calves were born and sheltered within my bosom before the stink of automobile exhaust, acid rain, and time contributed to my inevitable demise.”
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| WERE THE MOUNTAINS A SOURCE OF JOY OR OBSTACLES OF SORROW AND PAIN? |
As hard work’s sweat soaked through clothes and bloodied hands gripped the plow,
These men and women, born of guts and glory, raised offspring that endured hard times;
Knew the true meaning of survival as they faced every challenge known to mankind.
Were the encircling mountains a blessing or a curse as Sunday’s bells began to chime;
Truly massive hurdles that bone-weary bodies translated into obstacles so unkind?
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| GROUNDS AROUND THE BILTMORE ESTATE |
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| VIVID GREENS OF CHRISTMAS HOLLY |
Somehow, we often remember you in cold, gray tones of fine-grained plates of slate,
With each image bearing the bitter smell of the photographer’s flash powder light.
Have the bright and vivid colors of Indigenous Americans blended with your own,
Even after the Cherokee tribes, forced to leave, began to shed their Trail of Tears?
Sadly, ten years later, Congress grants them money used to purchase their own land.
Today we delight in all your glory, from trees of burnt sienna to fields in every shade of green. And, purple misted mountains slowly blackening in the fading light of the setting sun! You grace us with your ‘pure light’ from early morning hours into the magenta and blue nights. We drive long distances to see you; envying those who already call you home. Western North Carolina, an illuminated gemstone that fills me with eternal joy!
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| THE BEAUTY OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA |
Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved
Photo Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved
