Christmas Tree Mountain

In the rugged mountain passes Of the western Carolinas, Just west of Hendersonville and east of Kentucky, USA, In the land of the foothills and steep valleys down, Exists a remote land forgotten in time. Steeped in country legends, handed down long ago - A matchless region the locals, call Christmas Tree Mountain. Thousands of trees spread, over the lands - boundless pines, spruces and firs; Home to mountain families at one with their land. In these broken foothills in the lands of the mist, On steep, rocky outcrops, barren but for the pines, Rising above the lowly, bottomland plains, Far above pedestrian highways where the grizzly roams free, And the Winter's freezing cold, With its fierce winds whipping through the trees. On the Carolina hillsides is where it all begins; Conifers contorting in the harsh mountain gusts. Edging their way skyward one inch at a time; Twelve inches a year the extent of their growth. Like emerald clad sentinels oft standing at arms, Like boundless militia watching o're the valleys below. Seasoned veterans awaiting, their clarion call, Their final, fateful, farewell, fore' their Christmas accord. An all-too-short harvest's complete by Autumn's end; If yields are bountiful, all cuts will, be bundled and penned. Warmly dressed buyers trekking these remote mountain farms; Back country charms tempered by the winding, rugged passes. In the Fall the Scouts come - heeding a higher call; Selfless endeavors to help earn much-needed funds To support an ever growing contingent of troops. Finding a world of fulfilment in these simple deeds; They learn the values of good stewardship and all its rewards, While learning to respect all of God's lands and all His designs. End of the Season finds the mountain families gathering in prayer; Thanking their Creator for yet another year.