Can an empty trailhead be wonderful?
Solitude
Discomfort
Excitement
Comfort
Solitude
Alone
Silence
Peace
Solitude
An empty trailhead can be wonderful.
An unusual thing happened last night: My wife and I pulled into the parking lot at one of the trails we like to hike, and it was empty.
Not a car to be seen. Empty.
As you can tell from reading the last paragraph or so, that doesn’t happen often. It was cool, but kind of strange. Quiet and disquiet all at the same time.
The hike was wonderful. Quietly wonderful.
Thank you, Christie Wyman of Wondering and Wandering, for providing me with a link to help me understand this poem form that I’ve been seeing recently. This is called a Skinny Poem, and–it must be said–I’m not exactly following the rules right out of the gate. That’s okay.
As Christie did, though, I’d like to share info with my readers as well. The Skinny Poetry Journal’s “About” page can be found here.
Yet There is Method 
This is lovely. I love learning about new poetry forms. I hadn’t hear about the Skinny poem before reading this, but want to try it. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the form!
LikeLike
Sounds like a wonderful hike! Thanks for writing about it so we can share it! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s funny how some wonderful, wished-for things become kind of spooky when they actually come to pass. I am glad you enjoyed such a nice quiet walk with your wife!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is funny…but true!
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘Tis a thing of beauty, an empty trailhead. Agreed! Glad you explored the skinny. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, and thanks again!
LikeLike
The skinny really works for this moment – somehow the repetition of “solitude” anchors the mood. I love reading skinny poems but I have disliked virtually every one I’ve written. Hmm… your poem is inspiring me to try again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amanda, I know the form was created for serious concerns, but I needed to go for something lighter. I hope you find success with it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed the poem alongside the narrative. Your word selections spoke to the quiet of the trail. It is unusual to go to a place that is normally busy and find it empty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cathy, it was unusual, but nice. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem!
LikeLike
Sounds like bliss to me! Bravo for risking the Skinny! They are not easy to write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was nice, and thank you!
LikeLike
I enjoyed reading about your hike…and need to think about the poetry form mentioned here as well. Something nice about an uncrowded hike.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tim–it was nice. The skinny is a neat short form, and I think I’m going to enjoy teaching it to students.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think this is a perfectly well-crafted Skinny; I haven’t written many and find them uniquely challenging. They do make one focus on the importance and power of each word. I particularly enjoy the paradoxes of quiet/disquiet and comfort/discomfort – I understand this. I’ve experienced this, simultaneously. What a gift to find the trailhead deserted, and all to yourselves!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know, I read the first line, and the only thing that popped in my head was…YES! As for this form, I’m going to have to give it a go. It looks like an interesting challenge!
LikeLiked by 1 person