Visit Clay Cliffs with Jen Reid, who captures Autumn’s glory on video. Then, walk a loop with poet Carolyn Zaleon who finds respite here on a summer hike. Thanks to these talented Leelanau Conservancy supporters for sharing their skills and connecting us all with this special natural area. Click on the black box below to get the video started.
the loop
by Carolyn Zaleon
it was a respite
the curse broke
like a breath of crisp air on a humid day
or a splash of color
amidst words on a boring page
the sun radiated brightly
greens of all shades rose from the earth
the peaty floor of the forest smelled sweet
against the endless sky
proud tall and twisted
trees grew over
the years
in all directions
searching
for light
for life
stately and textured
straightly contorted
i stopped to soak in
those years
the path opened up
into the vastest of meadows
the dancing grasses swayed in the breeze
smiling white daisies no higher than an ankle
dotted the green
a single monarch butterfly flittered and fluttered
with great intent
from end to end and all in between
searching, never lighting
pure freedom
i walked slowly
freely
but with intent as well
searching
for something too
would i know if i found it
i’m not certain
did not seem the monarch would either
as the trail ended
the curse returned
the page turned back
right to where it all began
