Today’s post was written by Don Casada.
May in the Mountains is when bluebirds return to the home where they and
generations of their forebears had their beginnings, and they carry on
the tradition.
It’s Silver Queen corn stalks first seeing the light of day, poking
their way through fertile soil, and aiming for the sky.
It’s Turkey Gizzard and Nantahala half-runners sending down roots with
such vigor that they pop the beans plumb out of the ground, and then
start casting tendrils about for something to take holt of in an effort
to get to heaven ahead of their Silver Queen neighbors.
It’s sarvis just a-coming into bloom at High Rocks while sarvis berries
approach their sweet ripeness along Hazel Creek, over 3000 feet below.
It’s lightning bugs starting to strut their evening stuff.
It’s the spring greening up making its final tentative approach to the
Balsam and Smoky Mountain crests while the leaves along the Tuckasegee
far below take on their mature and darkest clorphylled hue.
It’s tulip poplars opening their yellow-golden blooms in praise to the
Lord God above before dropping them for mere mortals to share in their
faded glory.
It’s galax shooting an arrow tipped with hundreds of tiny blooms from
shiny new light green leaves below, all watched over by a
crimson-colored old timer making sure that all is well with the young
folks before taking his leave.
It’s partridge berry double blooms taking their rest above a carpet of
moss, foretelling double-calyxed red berries that are on their way.
It’s the laughter of mountain waters reaching the ears before seen by
the eyes.
It’s a teen-aged boy’s sense of joy, excitement and nervousness from a
pretty girl’s smile.
It’s a teen-aged boy’s sense of joy, excitement and nervousness from the
sight of a trout rising to tendered dry fly temptation.
It’s a tenor tone of thunder born on Silers Bald, falling down Jonas and
Forney Creeks, crossing old man Tuckasegee, and rolling up the sweet
Alarkas, who with bowed heads, echo their bass harmony reply.
May in the Mountains is a time of remembering, a time of looking ahead,
and a time of glorying in the moment.
I hope you enjoyed Don’s thoughts about May in the mountains as much as I do.
Tipper
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Br’er Don purt nigh outdone himself with this evocation of the magic, mystique, and marvels of May. Old John Parris, who often utilized a style similar to what you see here, would have been passing proud.
Reading this poem gives reason why those Appalachian “hills and hollers” still call my name …… so many, many like treasured memories! Great read!
That was a beautiful post.
So So Beautiful!!!!
I agree with others who’ve also mentioned the beautiful video on the girls’ channel capturing beautiful moments in May ! It was so beautiful!
Speaking of that video , what were the cakes or cobblers that were being prepared & served in that video ? I think there were two of them w/ fruit .
Just beautiful! I watched Corie’s video and I have to say I also think it’s one of the best I have ever seen! From seeing the mountains in all their glory, hearing the church hymn, getting to see Granny looking wonderful and the sweet story about when her parents were married, to Jim and his way with words. Thank you for sharing the wonderful poem by Don. I tell you those Casada brothers are sure gifted with words. Have a wonderful day everyone!
Wow, that is absolutely beautiful. I could see all the things he was talking about!!
May is a beautiful month and Don’s perspective brought it to life. Also Corie’s video was great! Thanks for sharing.
Don’s words reveal the beauty of “May in the Mountains.” Thank you, Tipper, for sharing them all with us.
Don’s description of May in the mountains paints a pretty picture of one of the busiest months of the year. Planting the garden and preparing for Decoration Day leaves little time for anything else in May. My daughter used to say it’s an Appalachian thing.
Oh my, I enjoyed Don’s thoughts on May more than anything. It brought me away from the cares of the day and took me back to gentler and sweeter days. From the time I can first remember with my 1st grade teacher, Miss Gent, and my dad growing up, I was taught the beauty of the seasons and months. Only sometimes with the joy of a young child can we see so vividly the beauty of each day and month that makes up Appalachia. Cares would drift away easily as we learned catchy phrases such as, “April flowers bring May flowers.” Especially it touched me to read “ Sarvis just comin’ into bloom.” I learned from Dad what those white early blooms were on the high mountains. The mountains are so beautiful whether they are the “Smokies” or those crowded together mountains in the coalfields of Appalachia. Don has such a gift of getting right to the spirit of what is all around us every day and in every season. Thank you so much Tipper for sharing this post by Don Casada. It shows how very selective and purposeful you are in everything you do.
Well written Don! Thank you Tipper for sharing it with us!
Don Casada has such a way with words that it paints a picture in one’s mind that is never forgotten. The older I get and the more I get to know you and your family & friends in North Carolina makes me wish that I had been born there. I will have to settle with just the fact that I have found you and all your wonderful Appalachian friends through the internet knowing that I am a better and more appreciative person for having found y’all. Thank you & God bless you & Appalachia! Hugs.
Ditto to Nicki’s comment. Could not have said it better myself. Blessings to all.
I’ve never been to the Appalachian Mountains in May, but Jim and Corie brought it home with their beautiful tributes to the season. I have to say that Corie’s video was one the the best I’ve ever seen–truth. The footage of the mountains, the church hymn, and Granny all brought me to pause and give thanks that God led me to all of you. Y’all have been a blessing in my life, more than you know. The family music and voices, all the channels and posts, the recipes, the joy seeing your gardening, which I can no longer do, and so much more. You’ve made my May wonderful from 1,000 away, and God love you all for it.
Such a lovely words. I’d never want to live where the seasons don’t change. Every season is a joyful gift to embrace. In all the years of our lives we only get just so many of them to celebrate. I cherish each one
Oh that was wonderful! After seeing Don in your video from Hazel Creek, I could just hear his voice speaking those beautifully descriptive words.
I got little tear in my eye when reading this. What a beautiful description of our blessed area.
May is a beautiful time of year for sure. Don’s description could be a picture here in the mountains of West Virginia too. He certainly has a way with words. Tipper, I have really enjoyed all of your recent posts—your writing is so interesting and informative—I just love this blog. I haven’t commented as much the last few days because Hubby took me to Amish Country in Ohio for a couple relaxing nights. We saw some shows and visited an Amish farm…taking in a tour of the whole place, along with a buggy ride and some of their delicious sweet desserts. I am looking forward to catching up on all the videos I have missed. I am going to have so much fun binge watching them this evening. Thank you for always entertaining and teaching us new things each day. If you ever stopped, I would feel like I lost a best friend. ❤️❤️ Take care and God Bless.
Wonderful read. You know you can see talent when you read it. Thanks for sharing. Prayers for Granny and God Bless you all.
That sure IS good writing, Don Casada! Thank you, Tipper for sharing this! Most of what I know about nature came from walks with my Dad. He’d point out the Sarvis tree in bloom up on the ridge, or any number of other trees and plants. I remember him showing me that you could eat redbud blossoms as we munched our way along. I can appreciate now, what a blessing it was to have a dad who would take that time with me.
Beautiful writing and imagery!
Oh this is just beautiful! Makes me wish I was in the mountains!
I watch your videos on our tv so can’t comment on YouTube but as I watched you read some bits of wisdom on your last live, I remembered one. I can’t remember where I saw this, maybe a wedding or something people were asked to write down bits of advice or wisdom, and a little 6 year old girl wrote “sometimes you just need to take a nap and get over it.” I laughed so much but it’s so true isn’t it?! I’ve thought of that often as I have many times that I just need to take a nap and get over it, ha! Spoken from the mouths of babes.
Thank you Tipper for sharing Don’s lovely description of May.
I just joined and read the wonderful post on May by Don Casada. Well written it makes me homesick for the beautiful, lush mountains and mountain life. I lived in Cherokee County for many years. The Good Lord urged me to move elsewhere. I sorta believe that heaven will be a little like Western North Carolina mountains, but much more glorious. Thanks to all for the post.
That was lovely! Thank you Jim and Tipper.