Springtime in western North Carolina took me by surprise this year. Almost all of a sudden the trees were filled with bright new growth, the peepers were singing a welcome to the new season, and the swollen rivers were gargling and splashing over rocks, inviting passerby to test their cool waters. Spending time indoors has been a struggle for me, as I am constantly lured outside by bright sunshine and lingering twilights.

I succumbed to the lure of the sun yesterday afternoon and took a solitary, quiet walk to many of my favorite places on the Eagle’s Nest campus. I sat silently at each, inhaling the fragrant spring air and taking note of the new life around me. The beauty of each moment inspired me to write several reverse haiku poems, which I’ve shared below.

Blue sky reflects on water
Young tadpole swims by
Mountains share silent wisdom

Nourishment grows in green rows
A gift from the land
Anticipating small hands

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Tower reaching to the sky
“On belay, climb on!”
You are stronger than you think

Join together as a Whole

Hold hands as day fades

Offer voices to the sky

In just over a month, many excited children will find their way to this beautiful retreat tucked into the lush North Carolina woods. They’ll laugh and play and grow amidst the towering pines and slow-moving streams. They’ll take inspiration from the mountains and share it with their families and communities as they return home. Until then, we’ll be eagerly awaiting their arrival – enjoying the season and preparing to offer them a summer that will surely change their lives.