Scott's Run

Scott's Run is a tribute to my Grandpa Nat, a special figure in my childhood and young adulthood who inspired me think deeply, to write daily, and to take the time to truly "see" things.  He is gone physically, but always with me spiritually.  I am happy that my work shares a place with other beautiful written pieces in the latest edition of Riverbed Review , a literary journal with a focus on the natural world.

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Scott's Run
By Amie Herman

That evening, when I find the dried leaves
relics, crisp and flat from decades secreted between heavy pages
vivid memories surface of our rambles in the woods
my small hand safely enclosed in the warmth of yours.

You taught me to name the trees:
The Sassafras--
leaves shaped like mittened hands
we tore the soft foliage to unlock the crisp scent of soap and soda.
The broad, four lobed Tulip Poplar--
each leaf topped with two points like cat’s ears
and pale green flowers with splash of orange on the throat.
And the Dogwoods--
both the chiefs and the princesses
canopies of burgundy in spring, deepening to red flames in autumn
leaves lined and smoothly shaped, like almonds.

We gathered and collected the finest specimens to press in my book
and the others we released on the banks of Scott’s Run,
fast moving after the rain.
Like small brightly colored rafts the swift water would catch them
leaves tumbling over the rocks
caught in the swirling eddies
some breaking free and slipping downstream.
Together, we took joy in cheering them on
imagining their destinations.
Would they make it to the mouth of the creek and enter the Potomac?
Drop over the mighty Great Falls?
Drift into the Chesapeake?
Reach the Atlantic Sea?
I said, “which leaf will win the race, Grandpa?”
Your words to me then only many years later,
did I fully understand as wise counsel.
You said, “Reaching the end is just a moment.
The getting there is the thing.”

I make my way down to the creek in twilight
these precious long-preserved leaves in my hands.
Sassafras, Poplar, Dogwood— I utter the names aloud
and set each one free on the shimmering water
to begin a long-awaited journey.
As they drift and disappear, tears and gratitude.
You taught me to be a thoughtful traveler.

Amie Herman is a wine/beer/spirits expert/reviewer, a travel writer and a ceramic artist. She is currently building her own camper van and will be setting off on a year long journey to explore North America with plans to write regularly on the road. FB, Instagram and twitter @amieswinehouse, website: www.amieswinehouse.com
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