Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary… Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea roar and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it, then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD… (Psa. 96:6,11-13a, ESV)

I wrote the poem below in August 2000 after back-packing in the Adirondacks. Besides sharing it with you now, I’d like to dedicate it afresh to my friend, fellow teacher, and community strategist, Chris Beard, who recently returned from a five-day canoeing and camping trip in the Adirondacks with his boys. 

Chris, you’ve been a steady source of encouragement this past year and are a great example of humility, fatherhood, and citizenship.  Thank you.

May the majesty of God’s creation inspire us all to live well and with joy no matter how painful or trouble-free the current season is that we’re in. 

White Birch

They thrive in the moist upland soils of the Adirondacks

Ivory Pillars accenting mountain greenery

Lacing pines or grouped in full stands

Rustling leaves whisper meadowland dreams

Beckoning to places of rest

Creamy layers of smooth bark unfold gently,

Falling to the ground, decorating forest lawns

Shedding old skins, and loosing bands of whiteness

Straight and tall, soft elegance persevering amidst change

Reminding all who admire their ways

That life can be lived with beauty and distinction