Ask me if I love this water,
this Georgia clay stream
glistening so brightly,
sparkling with mica…
Ask me if it whispered
my name softly…
beckoning me closer
to enjoy its translucent beauty…
Ask me if, when I bent down
it showed me hues of orange
that were beyond descriptions…
and only photos could do justice!
Ask me if I lingered there,
for a while…my camera in hand
admiring and trying to capture
the simple beauty I saw.
And ask me…just ask me
if I have looked at these photos
and imagined myself back there
gazing at this stream of silt,
this water of clay and sand,
this gleaming, trickling brook
with its invitation to stay and visit.
The answer, every time…would be Yes!
Rose S. Williams
©Southernstoryteller- March 2008
A repost of a poem inspired by a visit to Providence Canyon State Park in Georgia that I shared here at Gather last March. Since I am going up to GA this weekend to visit with family, I had the urge to share the gorgeous GA clay with y'all ;-)
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Comments: 22
I'm not a poet ,but these words raised a nostalgia to my childhood days. A Georgia boy,playing in and walking bare foot through these very same Georgia red clay streams. Thank you for the trip.
Sandy--Thank you ma'am, a compliment like that from you means a lot ;-)
Janet-thanks, it's a great park for a day trip and there is Florence Marina State Park only about 12 miles away with lovely cabins...we went there last year for a 4 day weekend to celebrate our anniversary.
Aniko and Marianne--thanks so much!
Phil-Ah sir, you probably have a poet's soul...I think most people do if they enjoy poetry. This park is gorgeous, a very nice hike, and look a little like a miniature Grand Canyon. Btw, I was sorely tempted to take off my shoes as well, but it was late Feb and VERY chilly ;-)
I live in upstate New York where our clay is dark brown, but I love that orangey looking clay; reminds me of the red rocks we saw in Colorado.
I'm so GLAD you're back! The calming influence of your grace, charm and kind nature are sorely needed here at Gather and much appreciated by MANY.
Nancy--I know what you mean about Colorada..when we were in Arizona last year I was amazed at the RED of the rocks and earth around Sedona. GA's orange clay actually stops before it reaches the Swamp area I'm from, so this visit to the park where there was so much of it exposed was a real treat for me.
Jean--You just don't know how much your words mean to me...You are one of the people I missed most while away, dear friend ;-)
Thanks LaRue!
Natalie--thank you so very much for the feature, I'm honored ;-)
I think a photo book would do some of your works justice.
And I know just that longing you feel.