The Final Moments

In what seems like no time at all, Session 4 has come to a close. Our Closing Ceremonies were spent in the lodge, dry and cozy, despite the ceaseless rain of the day. We find ourselves in awe of the experiences each of us has shared with one another. From salamander crawls at Uncle’s Falls and Shin-dig in our overalls, we truly were able to be our best selves, here at GRP. After many long days and nights, I must say, it was all just one long, wonderful moment that lasted for nearly two weeks. It’s hard to put into words all of the emotions of joy and sadness that goes along with bittersweet departures. What follows is a poem, that I feel verily describes the peace and simple wonder of the Preserve.

“The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.” ― Wendell Berry

Green River Preserve is truly a remarkable place, made more so by the Campers of Session 4.

Photos by Brandon S. Marshall