Mabry Mill
On its way toward Meadows of Dan
a mountain road ribbons its way
past blacksmith and gristmill,
where laurels still curtsey
and fresh spring still gurgles
a slow and steady welcome.
Survival now a tourist's delight -
a fascination with buckwheat pancakes,
cobbler, and pond
rippling with a pair of white ducks.
A destination
where a third grade education
fostered ingenuity, industriousness,
and a simplicity almost forgotten.
by Margaret Bednar, October 20, 2014
This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Open Link Monday" I recently have spent two weekends enjoying the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia. The Mabry Mill was built and operated by Ed & Lizzy Mabry - They also built a charming two story house which is no longer standing. I purchased a book about the Mabry's written by park ranger Michael Ryan. It was a short, but thoroughly enjoyable read. It fleshed out this destination for me, made me really appreciate how much this place meant to the community, how much love and hard labor went into making it so.
HERE is a nice article about the mill in "Living Virginia"
Meadows of Dan
12 comments:
Dedication and the love for the place must have pushed them. More remarkable since two minds blended into one to keep things going. Thanks for sharing Marge!
Hank
That's a beautiful mill! Love your poem.
"where mountain laurels still curtsey
and fresh water springs still gurgle"
I like this welome at the old converted Mill. A fine poem.
A simplicity almost forgotten...so very true Margaret.
just gorgeous!
I love the scene you've captured. The addition of hard work and a forgotten simplicity are great. I want to visit that place as well now. :)
Your poetry always makes me want to know how to paint...
These words and this photograph were truly meant to be together.
Beautifully done, Margaret.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
smiles...i have been there more times that one...
cobbler would be very nice right about now....ha
Loved the scenery :-)
Looks beautiful--and now I am longing for buckwheat pancakes! k.
The last stanza ideally, and with respect, relates the facts of the Mabry existence. A lovely read Margaret.
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