(Hurricane Helene decimated the mountain region of Western North Carolina, an area of unparalleled natural beauty and generally considered a safe haven in the face of climate change.. Over the last several years, I have had the privilege of traveling to this region multiple times including as recently as July 2024, and I mourn their losses)
The mountains stood proud for 450 million years
Saw forests, wildlife, human beings appear
Saw the development of culture and lore
The mountains, nestled comfortably far from the shore
The lush green forests, the bluish mountain haze
Waterfalls and trails that did not fail to amaze
The mountains that were a source of pride
For the inhabitants, as great places to reside..
*
The local folks were gearing up to welcome
The usual influx of tourists in the leaf-peeping season
Who knew an impending catastrophe was in store
Unlike any disaster ever witnessed before..
Hurricane winds and flooding unprecedented
What kind of revenge had nature intended
For these areas that were decimated
Leaving entire communities devastated
Irrevocable damage to infrastructure, lives lost
The mountain region incurred a huge cost
*
To the unthinkable devastation the mountains bear witness
Lending resilience to their communities in distress
As the arduous process of rebuilding starts
To the people of Western North Carolina goes my heart..
Passion...unbridled 