I Am Anaya Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

On My Trails

"Has solitude ever led your steps down a forest path . . . "

The mountains are calling me, and I must go and venture outside
I get a tingling in my stomach followed by a memory imprint
Hiking was a meaningful part of my life that I’m afraid has died
Trails and long-distance walks innately like a vortex I was drawn                    
I strolled along some of the most Linda, Chula, and Buena Vistas
Twisty Canyons I trekked, climbing on days of daunting dusty sands                         
Hair-raising steep slopes so high I crawled ascending on my hands             
Forestry paths I reflect on, missing the woodsy mist and earthy smells 
Bone trail pumas and cayotes to be wary of, there was no buffer
I have trodden the main trail as I lead myself into a tranquil meditation
Began my journey by giving thanks and with an informal salutation

I meditated mostly on the Indigenous journey of many sorrows
I imagined what hell it was for the man, woman and their child
Mile after mile day after day, by night besieged, saw no tomorrows
Endlessly they marched far away from their own land evergreen sublime,
Known as “The Trail Of Tears” that lead to a promised land of all time
As their bodies fell embracing the earth after hardships suffered  
One by one with their dying breath, their spirits finally were set free 

How I long to re-visit the colorful mountains I loved and knew so well 
They kept me of sound mind and body and soul, I long for their song                                                                            What had made me strong now feels so far away I wonder is it gone?

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Steven Young November 22, 2022 at 1:24 PM You mentioned it, so I was drawn. Your hike becomes a meditation and your meditation, a journey. Like you said, your "mind explores pathways besides the one you're on." On a trail in Upstate NY in June I became similarly mindful of places in my case, neglected. Thanks for this--it's inspiration. I Am Anaya November 23, 2022 at 4:00 PM Yes I did, that's great that your drawn to the dirt trails! Thank you, for your kind comment and visit. ~Anaya

Rico Leffanta November 21, 2022 at 11:01 AM There are so many places in this world where I have wandered to a magnificent view and asked myself, "Where will I find water?" "Where will I find shelter" "What happened to all those who made the wrong choice?" Keep hiking, as it keeps the mind active! Aloha! I Am Anaya November 22, 2022 at 4:36 PM Snakes and flip flops? Rico you're the golden standard! I see that it's a great incline, you must of went Beaudry South. Rico Leffanta November 22, 2022 at 10:39 AM A few years ago, visiting my daughter in Glendale, I hiked up the left (steep) trail of Beaudry. When I got to the top, 3, hiking lbubs wanted to take their photo with me as they had never seen anyone hike up there wearing flipflops. Works for me! Aloha! I Am Anaya November 21, 2022 at 1:21 PM Rico, a backpack, bottled water, trail mix, and make sure your hiking shoes are 1/2 size larger. I chose the wrong trail, it was a dirt bike trail and almost got ran over, the incline was so steep, I panicked and froze. Aloha!

David Kavanagh November 21, 2022 at 6:09 AM I can only imagine the indigenous ones who pioneered these routes, did so with much hardship, yet took it at their own pace, one bad slip or snake bite, the game was over, we do it for the challenge, and fun now, I enjoyed the difficult trip you take the reader on Anaya, great one for the contest, cheers David I Am Anaya November 21, 2022 at 1:58 PM The Jesuits bound them to harsh mission life, and the American settlers did whatever horrid thing they wanted. You can hear the rattlers on the trail, stomp the ground from afar, they'll feel the vibration then scare off. Thanks David!

Susan Ashley November 20, 2022 at 7:38 PM Dear Anaya, I am deeply moved by this intimate and soulful piece. It is so tenderly expressed yet so visceral, the imagery and emotions so palpable leaving one with the feeling of being a part of you internal and external experience. Your eloquent heart bares poignant introspective beauty that is captivating. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan I Am Anaya November 21, 2022 at 1:32 PM Hi Susan. During meditation events of significance materialize, which encompasses more than my individual moods and experiences. My mind explores pathways besides the one I'm on. Thank you for your encouragement and gracious comment. Have a nice Thanksgiving.

L Milton Hankins November 20, 2022 at 7:14 PM I love this verse, Anaya. I used to hike, but now I am no longer able to do so. I'm lucky if I can walk a city block. I hope you will get the opportunity to hike the mountain trails again soon. I Am Anaya November 21, 2022 at 7:24 AM Milton, hope you get in better shape and do more walking, me too. The valley's Canyon's turn into trails that lead to the main one, Old Mulholland Dr. The furthest I've hiked on these mountains [6hrs.] to Will Rogers State Beach-- 2day walk through Laguna Hills, we make our own routes!