Coffee at the Campsite
by Edward Holmes
COFFEE AT THE CAMPSITE
I wake slowly
to the hour when daybreak barely traces
faces of these eastern peaks. Curtains rise,
almost heaven,
and God speaks of new mercies over
New River, with
nothing but time to spare in 6 a.m. unrushed autumnal air,
as I abide on the mountainside.
Black walnuts drum the leaf-littered forest floor.
Distant white-water trill, and Wood Thrush song
begin to fill a moment, slow and still.
Precious morning crescendo.
Fifteen matchsticks and the skin of an aspen
help give birth to a humble morning campfire—
the miracle of life.
Crackling its first words into the wilderness from a
stony cradle.
They grow up fast.
Now, kettle-coffee percolating.
I sit unbothered by the boiling water, waiting
under the thrum of its rumbling rhythm, to awaken and
take in this earthy, slow-drip.
Allegheny brew.
Lazy mountains, blue.
Steam rising up
from the cup
like Smoky Mountain morning mist, kissed
by Shenandoah. This
cup of bitterness clasped—my solace.
I wake slowly
to this carefully conducted symphony above
and below me
as I abide on the mountainside.
Soon I will leave
like the mountain laurel—
retreat
like the morel
but not without a standing ovation.
I raise my cup to you.
EDWARD HOLMES
Edward Holmes is a writer on a mission to spread hope into hearts through the written (and often spoken) word. He has written children's books, devotionals, and poetry collections. He shares new poems weekly through his podcast Life Lines. His writing is hopeful, humorous, and honest—all fueled by black coffee and dark chocolate.
Edward has an affinity with practical theology and biblical apologetics, previously serving as an evangelist and youth minister for seven years in Missouri. He currently resides in Illinois with his wife and kids, living every day with three reasons to keep hope alive. Edward is also a contributor at TheWayBack2Ourselves.com, and co-host and producer of The Way Back Podcast’s Poetry Corner and The Way Back Podcast.
If you find him online, say "Hi!" He'd love to strike up a conversation with you. You can find him on Instagram @edwardlee_on_ig.