Photograph "in the middle" of East Bee Branch Creek by Kimmy Van Kooten
all rights reserved 2000-2007
One of the Deep South's finest pockets of deep woods is in the Sipsey Wilderness. It is part of Alabama's William B. Bankhead National Forest, and is sometimes called the "Land of a Thousand Waterfalls."
This particular stream is part of Bee Branch Canyon, a maze of upland ridges and deep, lushly grown canyons. Thread your way into one of its deeper hollows and you'll find stands of giant, yellow pine, eastern hemlock, and cucumber magnolia all jumbled together. And the music of falling water will almost certainly be heard wherever you go!
I waded through these waters, alone with nature, to wash away all the turbulence from my mind...at the end of my hike I sat down under Alabama's largest tree, a tulip poplar, which stands 150'tall and is 21'wide! Everyone should spend some time in "Wading Waters"
Wading... through the middle of a gravelly stream Cleansing air about me... in the middle of these forest’s trees Illuminations, casting semblance in the middle of enlightened darkness and now, the littlest fish are tickling my thighs
Wading... through the middle of my shingly life... Washing, as time goes by... in the middle of my mused reflections Alight in a water scene, I’m clean! ...in the middle of a gravelly stream and then, those little fish just swam away...
You make this place sound magical and if it can do for you what it did, then others can benefit as well. Your descriptions make for a great travelogue. Enjoyed!
George
Reviewed by Victor Buhagiar (Reader)
Reviewed on July 17, 2007
What a wonderful place. You know I've always dreamed of such a place. Can't be found in this little island of mine. Great poem, with two contrasting stanzas showing what a great poet you are. Victor
Everyone should spend some time in "Wading Waters"
As one who has, I couldn't agree with you more - it's a truly marvelous experience. And that is truly a marvelous photo you took, Kimmy. Simply Spectacular!
A picture saying "I wish you were here" and a poem saying "we was" from a delicate pen of someone in synch with Mother Nature.
Thanks for the trip there.
Georg
Explore the mystery of how nature makes unexpected gifts of creative wonders to an unsuspecting caregiver one late night and early morning in southeastern Georgia, USA.
very evident within the view of yours...
nicely penned reality ...
enjoyed.....
Art Sun...
Love Tinka
Love the pic. Excellent work!
Love,
eileen
George
As one who has, I couldn't agree with you more - it's a truly marvelous experience. And that is truly a marvelous photo you took, Kimmy. Simply Spectacular!
Fee
Thanks for the trip there.
Georg
Your words made the picture come alive.
Elizabeth
Hugs Angela