Heroes One and All

Each and every day heroes around the world answer the call of duty. Each and everyone with their own reason for wearing the uniform of the nation they serve. Taken from the safety of the shores that they called home they traverse the world when asked to defend theirs or other peoples beliefs. None of them do it with the thought that will be thanked when the task is completed nor do they really want it. All they want and expect is that they are respected for serving their country and the jobs they were asked to do.

****No soldier puts on a uniform with the thoughts of how many people will they be able to kill or how many wars will they be able to fight in. They put on the uniform with honor and pride, knowing they are among the many that stand in defense of a nation that they love. Their pain comes when they see people that they defend stand in opposition against them, slandering them or protesting them. Pain comes when they have to carry the body of a fellow comrade under his nations flag, knowing that he paid the ultimate sacrifice. They still do not waiver in their service as they know and understand wars bring out more pain then most should be asked to bear.

****As I watch young soldiers head off to battle in wars that I don't understand nor sometimes I agree, my heart lays heavy inside of me wondering and praying that each will return to their loved ones when their mission is completed. I have walked the many hallowed grounds around the world where flags, standing by simple markers, wave in the breeze. These markers are for the many heroes that have given you, me and all others the rights and freedoms that we enjoy this very day. No one life more valuable then the other nor no one hero dead or alive more important then the other. In thanks we should stand and honor them and when passing should acknowledge each and everyone letting them know that we are more thankful then they will ever know for their service.

Trail Walking

The cool autumn breeze tugged gently against my skin as I walked along the one of the many winding trails around my home. I had always had a calling to nature and was glad that it had been fed and nurtured by those in my life that I had loved dearly. The sun was sitting high in the sky but the hot sun of summer had passed and now came the brightness of the autumn sun. I watched as the trail twisted and turned in front of me. Soon I was passing one of the many opening where long ago lumber camps had once stood. These woods a wild and long history of men that had worked in them and some that had given their lives deep inside them.

****I could see some people coming towards me as they traveled a different direction along the same trail. As we passed each other I nodded my head to them and wished them a good day. It always made my heart pound with joy when I saw people enjoying the calling of nature as I did. Many city folks come up into the area during all times of the year. Many take to the numerous trails that lead into the deep woods of the Presidential Mountain Range, a part of the Appalachian Mountain Range that stretches up and down the eastern United States. Slowly I walked along the trail, stopping for a second by a babbling brook that came cascading down from the mountains to adjust the small backpack that was strapped to my back. I never carried water with me as I relied on the many brooks to quench my thirst when the need for a drink came to me.

****The days were shorter now as the long summer ones had passed and now the hours of daylight were adjusting as we headed for the coldest time of the year. The cool nights had taken their toll on the leaves that had once shaded the trail from the sky above. Now color filled the leaves as I looked on in awe, admiring the red, yellow, orange, and brown mixtures. Each tree had its own colors depending on species. This was a special time of year and like the other seasons I enjoyed this one as well for its own special reasons. Out of the corner of my eye I saw sudden movement and I stopped in my tracks. With a rustle of the leaves I large male deer leaped from the woods and now stood in the middle of the trail. There he stood in all his glory, his head held eye showing off the beautiful rack of antlers that had grown over the summer. I reached for my camera and quickly snapped a picture of him before he bolted into the woods and was gone from sight.

****More and more people both local and tourists started filtering into the woods. This was a perfect time of year for picture taking or just enjoying the beauty that I called the color season. I looked at my watch and realized that the morning had silently passed and it was time for me to head home and get some daily chores done. I turned and walked back along the path from which I came until I was at my vehicle. A couple came to me and asked me questions about the area, which I was more then happy to spend time answering. I enjoyed seeing people interested in the area I lived as it had a lot to offer the mature lover. After we shook hands and I took their picture for them with the backdrop of the colors of autumn, I was in my vehicle and headed home.

****I thought of the day and all the people that had crossed my path. I wondered if one of them may have been you and if not maybe in the future by chance we might cross paths on one of the many trails. So if you have not visited the area before or if you are a returning visitor all I can say is welcome to nature's beauty as it will be unfolded in front of you. Until then I tip my hat and with a smile I bid you good day and may angels walk with you forever.

The Lake's Calling

The cool depths of the mountain lake called to me on this hot summer day. I had been hard at work and my body was covered in sweat. Slowly I pulled my sweat soaked shirt up over my body as the material stuck to my skin. Finally I was able to pull it over my head and I tossed it on the ground behind me. Next I undid my belt and let my shorts fall down to the ground. Finally my work boots were undone and my feet bare as I was ready to take a plunge. Having been raised in the mountain. I knew that the rivers and lakes like this one afforded many spots where one could get a cooling and refreshing dip.

I stood on the flat rock that ran out into the water, looking into the lakes placid blue depths. Nearby I could hear the soft quacks of the local lake inhabitants. I knew the family of ducks were somewhere playing along the shoreline that they call home. Kneeling I reached down into the cool water and rubbed my hands over my body, readying myself for the plunge I was about to take. A quick shiver crept over me, soon eaten by the warmth of the summer sun that sat high in the clear blue sky. Suddenly I stood and as I ran out along along the rock knowing it was now or never. Planting my feet I dove into the water, my body rapidly encased by the coolness. Gently striking the water with my feet my long muscular arms pulled me along silently.

I was right this had been a welcome relief from the days hard work I had endured. A moment that should and can be enjoyed by everyone that enters into the area that I call home. If not a dip in the public lake a dip in one of the many public and well used pools along mountain streams is just as rewarding. I continue my swim into the depths of the water now as my muscles welcome the coolness against them. Finally it was time for me to get out of the water and lay my body against the flat sun warmed rock. Laying there I allowed my body to dry before getting redressed. As I laid there I closed my eyes and smiled knowing that someday I may even have the pleasure of meeting you the reader, whoever you may be, in the same lake or even along one of the many rivers. Until that time stay safe and may God watch over you forever.

Nature's Lover

As you can see I am a lover of nature. Here is one of my favorite spots where I like to come and clear my head of all the worldly events, (not many that make sense anyways). The river calms me as I close my eyes and listen to it flowing all around me. The clear deep pools reflect back to me the image of a man that has weathered the course of his years and yet has not turned around when hard times were heaped upon him... I only ask one thing in life and that is others respect my privacy as I would respect theirs. I hope this blog will become engaging and a place where we can share many thoughts and feelings. Feel free to post any comments you wish.....Oh yes one more thing..my spelling sometimes gets the best of me so forgive me.

A little about me

I am just a simple man living a simple life in the heart of God's country. Yes you heard me right it is truly the marvel of nature's beauty that surrounds me. I live in the heart of the mountains of the New Hampshire, encricled by the Presidential Range. My life is sometimes hectic and other times I use my hobbies to fill the void left after work. I love to dabble in the writings of both poetry and stories, which I freely share, and I understand that others will not always agree with my thoughts. I know that others will have different views of some subjects and that is why we are called

individuals. However, I do ask that you respect these writings as my thoughts and enjoy what I am willing to share with you. So in closing I can only ask you to stay tuned for my entries as they come to you slowly but surely....

If you are interested in reading some of my poetry you can proceed to the following link: http://www.angelfire.com/nh/america