Nothing Comes Close

I first came across this great quote during my first summer away from home in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Driving up curvy roads and then back down into a beautiful holler, two friends and I discovered the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. It was absolutely magical- the smell of moss and fresh spring water, towering trees and dappled sunlight on the forest floor, and nothing comes close to the evening sun coupled with lively fireflies on a warm, Southern night. Dedicated in the early 1900's, this sanctuary is a living memorial to the poet. His poem "Trees," is one of my very favorites.

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of Robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

Get this great print here.