Smoky Mountain Poets

This tree in Cades Cove, GSMNP inspired Kristi to put pen to paper. Photo credit - Kristi Parsons

This tree in Cades Cove, GSMNP inspired Kristi to put pen to paper. Photo credit – Kristi Parsons

Smoky Mountain Poets. These mountains have inspired generations to express themselves through songs, deeds and words. Remarkable words that transcend the passage of time and speak to each new generation. So much so that a Smoky Mountain poet laureate was commissioned in the early 20th century.

Ella V. Costner was honored to be the first and only Smoky Mountain poet laureate. Costner (1894-1982) was born in Cosby and grew up on Crying Creek near the Gabes Mountain Trailhead. After her stint as an Army nurse in Pearl Harbor and Guam, she returned to Newport, Tennessee and published several books of poems and essays. Ella’s final resting place can be found in the hills she loved on a short walk up the Snake Den Ridge trail in Cosby.

Ella V. Costner poet laureate of the Smoky Mountains.

Ella V. Costner, poet laureate of the Smoky Mountains.

“There are moments in the lives of some men, so fraught with emotion and beauty, as to make one weep no matter how often one reads or thinks of them.” Ella V. Costner, from the Lamp in the Cabin.

Others have followed in Ella’s footsteps and we are thrilled to share their love of the Smoky Mountain with you here.

 

I want to spend my summer days with you.

Lying, just you and I, underneath a true blue sky.
Listening to the hum of the June bugs as we talk about all the things we love.
We can watch the dreamy clouds drift on by as we wait on the shooting stars that will – one by one, erase even our deepest scars. 
We’ll smile as the young fawns pass by and at the bear cubs as they play – silent to the thought our tomorrows and our yesterdays.

I want to spend my summer days with you.

In the hills that I call home, wrapped up in the Smokies haze, among the beautiful places where I roam and play.

Yes, I want to spend my summer days with you, doing what lovers do and dreaming of a love that’s true….

Because it won’t be long til autumn steals the days away and my blue sky slowly fades to gray.

Written by Kristi Parsons

 

 

This Smoky Mountain sunset was Michael's inspiration.This Smoky Mountain sunset was Michael's inspiration.

This Smoky Mountain sunset was Michael’s inspiration. Photo credit – Michael Tollison

      Smoky Mountain Sunset

An exhilarating moment 

Happening before our eyes

The setting sun

      Transforming the mountain skies

Oranges, purples, and reds

Highlight a low hanging cloud 

The glowing brightness

Creating a beautiful shroud

Behind the mountains

We watch the sun descend

A marvelous wonder

As the day comes to an end

A crisp chill

Comes from the mountain breeze

The outlying ridges

Exposed by the shadow of trees

With the darkness 

Appear the stars and moon

A brand new dawn

The sun will bring soon.

          Written by Michael Tollison

Have you been inspired by our mountains? Send us your words and share them with our fans and followers!

                  

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