Take a Hike Mama: Embracing the Great Outdoors
I recently had the pleasure of attending a poetry reading by Glenis Redmond, the esteemed poet laureate of Greenville, at my favorite local bookstore, Pendleton Bookshop. Amy, the shop owner, was beyond thrilled to host this "dream poet," and her infectious excitement rubbed off on me.
Now, if my penchant for spending evenings at book readings in cozy bookshops tells you anything, it's that I'm a bit of a book nerd. And just like Redmond, I have a deep love affair with words. Words have a magical way of saving us from loneliness, reminding us that our emotions are shared by others, and offering solace in the vastness of the world.
During my undergraduate years, I majored in English Literature and Performing Arts (again, total word nerd). One of my favorite classes was Romantic Literature, where I often pondered why these privileged men needed to escape from the world. But as I grew older, I understood that sometimes, only Mother Nature can truly save us. Redmond, too, discovered this profound truth. As a cancer-free person like myself, she found healing in nature. And in 2020, amidst the world's chaos, nature became a sanctuary for her, her ADHD grandson and countless others. After all, when nature calls us to rest, we must answer.
From Redmond, I learned about the abundance of state parks in our home state and discovered the concept of the "ultimate outsider" title you can earn. The quest comes with a passport book and once completed, a t-shirt! She remarked how funny it was that she turned something restful into a Type A checklist—something I can totally relate to!
I also learned about the segregation of outdoor spaces during the Jim Crow era and the significance of Leroy Smith, the first Black superintendent of SC state parks. Places like Pleasant Ridge served as vital outdoor spaces for Black communities during a tumultuous time in history. In fact, the Indigenous people say that we belong to the land, and one of the most sacred gifts we can offer in thanks is tobacco. Smith must have known in his bones that we belonged to the land, a truth that honored his place as a historical trailblazer. Therefore, as a guest on this land, I am eager to walk the namesake trail of Leroy Smith with reverence and gratitude, offering tobacco in my wake.
As a mother navigating the joys and challenges of postpartum life, I'm excited to introduce my two young boys to the wonders of the woods. Like Redmond encourages her grandson, “…listen with your whole self / and with your whole self, sing back” (Redmond, 2024, p. 29).
This summer, The Song of Everything will be our companion as we embark on outdoor adventures. We'll read poetry, listen to nature's symphony, and sing along with joy in our hearts. And we invite others to join us on this journey.
I've ordered my passport and booklet, and hopefully, soon, I'll proudly claim the title of the ultimate outsider. But with humility, wonder, and a sense of community, I'll embark on this hiking adventure with all my heart. Thank you, Glenis, for inspiring us all. 🌲🌞
#TakeAHike #NatureLovers #OutdoorAdventures
