Foggy Mountain Mornings

Thick with green, months old,
but wet as new spring birth 
from foggy mountain mornings. 
Our feet slide on leaves 
fooled by an early frost and
slick with petals from a maze of laurel;
The sunlight is deceiving 
as it dances through a canopy 
still full of summer growth, 
but painted in dark pastels. 
A cool spring below 
as winter approaches above,
we get lost in a dense 
rhododendron forest still lush 
with last months blooms--

Author's Note

Mountain laurel and rhododendron are thick evergreen bushes that produce an amazing array of flowers. They will grow so thick, it's possible to get lost in them for days. They are the last thing to change, officially signaling the coming of winter in the mountains.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

We don't have anything this lush in California, but I definitely remember clambering thru various hikes in my younger days where the feelings were quite similar . . . you've captured the sensations well, along with the vivid visuals. I like the way summer & winter are holding hands with entwined fingers, thru-out your descriptions. I love foggy mountain mornings! *smile*

[James]

I love the mountains, and right at the beginning of Fall, the undergrowth and laurel is confused, it's cool and green but up top, it's already changing. It's an interesting time. Loved your review too. thanks.

[Einstein Noodle]

i am in the Ozarks and your imagery is spot on ..i am ceaselessly awed how, tho getting on through fall .. so much remains in bloom and green ... well done ..very emotive for me as your poem takes me for a walk in the woods :)
E.

[James]

So glad you enjoyed this. I grew up for a while in the Kentucky mountains and lived in the North Carolina mountains for years as an adult. It has always amazed me too.

[emmajoy]

The language of flowers.. plants.. life.. the other sex, whichever - indications the mind doesn't search for but often finds! Metaphors, clues, garlands of words finely put.

[James]

Interesting review. I guess there are metaphors hidden in here somewhere.

thanks.

[emmajoy]

Maybe i read too much into people's words, James. I enjoyed your poem, wrote my thoughts.

[James]

No, I think you were spot on. I like seeing what people really think. I didn't mean to sound short. I liked your review, it made me think about it a little bit deeper.

[emmajoy]

You weren't short, it was me... read again and felt guilty! Have to go, niece collecting bags of newly baked rolls, etc... at least i can keep the windows shut and have the scent about the house.. rayyyyy!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

love those late blooming flowers....and yes, people can be colorful too...and deceiving....

we get caught up in their sunshine smiles...not knowing there is really winter behind them.

[James]

yes, yes they can, just as deceiving as those flowers blooming in the underbrush.

Thank you jacob.

[Shannon]

First off, I never knew that flowers could signal the end of summer. The imagery is clever and I really appreciate the contrast between the places.

[James]

I love the mountains any time of year. the thick laurels bloom in the spring, but sometimes they get fooled.