Blue Ridge Community College - Doubling Yearbook (Weyers Cave, VA)

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Journal Entry April 12th. Thursday How could it snow in the middle of April? It can't do it. I'm ready for spring and warm weather! A cow is missing, and I dread going out to look for her in such awful weather. Decided to walk out through the back. rather than chance driving around by the road and perhaps getting stuck in the snow. I started out in a bad , very begrudging mood. By contrast, the dogs were excitedly jumping around, anxious to be starting out on a jaunt. They seemed to be going in every direction at once and couldn't get there fast enough. Before I had gone very far, the weather started to clear. As I climbed over the sagging, rusty fence into the quiet, white-blanketed woods, it seemed like I was entering allother world. The trees stood as dark sentinels against the snow. The hill was steep , and by the time I reached the top, my feet felt like they were wrapped in cement. Then I began to notice the darting birds and hear the harsh cries of crows overhead. The sounds of the dogs crashing through the underbrush told me their whereabouts. It was comforting to hear them as the noise they made would surely send any menacing animal that might be lurking about, scurrying away. The tiny creek at the bottom of the hill was easily crossed, and I started up the next ridge. Emerging out of the trees at the top, I immediately felt the icy pellets of half snow, half rain against my face. I made a loop around the field, trying to see as much ground as possible, and doing as little walking as possible. I could hear the other cows bawling from down below by the road, and the bleating of lost lambs for their mothers coming from a neighboring farm . After deciding I had used about half my energy, it was time to turn for home. I hugged the opposite fence line, weaving in and out of the swaying cedar trees. Still no sign of the maverick. Now the earth was plunging away from my footsteps , and I was descending through the brush once again. The warming sun's rays were falling on the snow-wet leaves, causing curling mists to arise from them . I crossed the remaining barried fence, emerging out in the open again. The sun was warm and the creek gurgling with the increased water from the fast-melting snow. I saw a fleet- ing shadow cross my path and glide up the hill nearby. It belongs to the silently soaring hawks circling lazily through the clear, azure sky. I can feel my spirits rising in the warm sunshine, and observing all the wonders of nature. Two powerful red forms are still loping effortlessly over and down the green hillsides. As I climb the last little rise before arriving at the yafd gate, I can feel a complete change of attitude from when I started out. I was thankful to have such beautiful countryside to be able to walk through. Donna Steger Honorable Mention Miscellaneous Category 87

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T he Deer As I walked down this road one dusk, listening to a December wind, who, whispering in gray tones, tried in vain to discourage me from my pilgrimage, I saw the deer tracks, and the self I had come here to escape left of its own accord, and left me smiling inside. I thought of the doe, knowing it had not been long ago that she strode so boldly up to your gate. I imagined that she pondered for a time on going on, wondering what was to be found just beyond the bend in the trees. I could have told her. But the tracks chose a new direction, skirted the field and disappeared into the trees. Still , I knew that she had shared my homecoming, and knowing brought me the contentment that I find when the wolf comes back to me instead of running away, OI when the fire reveals one more secret that I hadn't found before , or in seeing you smile. The shots, one, then another, and the not-so-distant shout of triumph did not surprise me . I could not have known for certain but I did know. Because you told me. You knew so long ago. There was another reason. I told the house , and the river, and the meadow-sttip of it as I was leaving. They already knew , like you, but I told them anyway, just because. You see , Country, I know because this play is in its second season . This scene has been played before here on this same stage. I know all the lines, and most important, I know the leading lady well. The deer and I are one. Linda Worsley Second Place Poetry Category 89