Throughout the ages, there is virtually nothing that hasn't been recorded in poetry. Today, computers make it easy to jot down ideas and cut and paste, rearranging them until pleasing rhythms and thought patterns are achieved. Internet sites accept poems from anyone, opening the doors of publication once controlled by publishers. Many famous poets have written about hiking, but it's fun to read short poems hiking oriented by less well-known people, too.
A hike is more than a walk. People walk for exercise, sometimes on a treadmill. They walk because their doctor or personal trainer tells them to: walk around the block, walk at lunchtime to get desk-cramped muscles freed up, set goals and keep mileage logs. They climb the stairs on rainy days, or go to the mall and make the circuit.
Leaving the pavement behind is a good feeling. Research shows that connecting with nature is rejuvenating, even if 'nature' is in the form of a potted plant. A series of wooded inclines is going to do much, much more in terms of stress reduction, restoring tranquility, and regaining perspective. Serious hikers go for the Appalachian Trail, but there's a lot of scenery less difficult to reach.
There's no doubt that scenery is one of the main rewards. Everyone who has hiked through endless miles of trees to reach a summit and looked out over several counties will appreciate Gerard Manley Hopkins. This Victorian poet and priest celebrated the 'dappled things' of nature. Sunlight falling through treetops, brightly-colored fungi on fallen logs, clouds against a blue sky, and the sparkle of moving water thrill the soul, and Hopkins says it best.
The phrase, 'the march of the mountains', may ring a bell. This line was penned by Stephen Crane, author of 'The Red Badge Of Courage'. Anyone who gets high enough for a good view of the rank on rank of peaks in any major mountain range knows what Crane meant. The majesty of mountains is enough to bring out the poet in anyone. Robert Frost, who needs no introduction, wrote 'The Mountain', a poem full of visual pictures and the touch of mystery that mountains have always inspired.
Art has been inspired by the world of nature since history began. Early cave pictures show people and much more lifelike animals. Poets throughout the ages have written about stars, trees, mountains, oceans, lakes, and rivers. One of the most unique and beautiful voices in American poetry belongs to Emily Dickinson, a reclusive resident of Massachusetts. She wrote many poems about bees. One of them, titled 'The Bee Is Not Afraid Of Me', is obviously set in the woods far from the center of town.
Reading poems about hiking might inspire people to put their impressions into words. Hiking, even while it might make people feel small compared to the vast sky and towering mountain peaks, has significance, and many readers like to share in the thoughts and memories hikers bring home.
Every hiker has emotional reactions to venturing into unspoiled natural places. If they can write them down and work them into poetry, their perspective can enrich the lives of others and promote a feeling of fellowship within the community of people who understand.
A hike is more than a walk. People walk for exercise, sometimes on a treadmill. They walk because their doctor or personal trainer tells them to: walk around the block, walk at lunchtime to get desk-cramped muscles freed up, set goals and keep mileage logs. They climb the stairs on rainy days, or go to the mall and make the circuit.
Leaving the pavement behind is a good feeling. Research shows that connecting with nature is rejuvenating, even if 'nature' is in the form of a potted plant. A series of wooded inclines is going to do much, much more in terms of stress reduction, restoring tranquility, and regaining perspective. Serious hikers go for the Appalachian Trail, but there's a lot of scenery less difficult to reach.
There's no doubt that scenery is one of the main rewards. Everyone who has hiked through endless miles of trees to reach a summit and looked out over several counties will appreciate Gerard Manley Hopkins. This Victorian poet and priest celebrated the 'dappled things' of nature. Sunlight falling through treetops, brightly-colored fungi on fallen logs, clouds against a blue sky, and the sparkle of moving water thrill the soul, and Hopkins says it best.
The phrase, 'the march of the mountains', may ring a bell. This line was penned by Stephen Crane, author of 'The Red Badge Of Courage'. Anyone who gets high enough for a good view of the rank on rank of peaks in any major mountain range knows what Crane meant. The majesty of mountains is enough to bring out the poet in anyone. Robert Frost, who needs no introduction, wrote 'The Mountain', a poem full of visual pictures and the touch of mystery that mountains have always inspired.
Art has been inspired by the world of nature since history began. Early cave pictures show people and much more lifelike animals. Poets throughout the ages have written about stars, trees, mountains, oceans, lakes, and rivers. One of the most unique and beautiful voices in American poetry belongs to Emily Dickinson, a reclusive resident of Massachusetts. She wrote many poems about bees. One of them, titled 'The Bee Is Not Afraid Of Me', is obviously set in the woods far from the center of town.
Reading poems about hiking might inspire people to put their impressions into words. Hiking, even while it might make people feel small compared to the vast sky and towering mountain peaks, has significance, and many readers like to share in the thoughts and memories hikers bring home.
Every hiker has emotional reactions to venturing into unspoiled natural places. If they can write them down and work them into poetry, their perspective can enrich the lives of others and promote a feeling of fellowship within the community of people who understand.