Round 1 – Mountain Magic

The view traversing the meadow
Puts the mountain magic
Into the music

#SlamWords #Edition61 #Round1

Round 2 – Campfire

It is not possible to think of a campfire
Without thinking of this scene.

At least for us eleven-year-olds-at-heart.

#SlamWords #Edition61 #Round2

Round 3 – Into the Wilderness

You can go into the wilderness
From the comfort of your easy chair.

The high country of the mind
Is not for the faint of heart

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Round 4 – Vistas & Valleys

It seemed like Bob was frozen in time
A moment’s reflection taking over his entire being
Overlooking the vista

“All I have built
Lies before me,”
He finally said.

He did not expect
To summarize his life
On an afternoon’s hike.

#SlamWords #Edition61 #Round4

Round 5 – Woodland Wonder / Towering Pines

The towering pines surround us
As the dusk envelops the forest
Sound never heard before
Fills our virgin ears

We are strangers in this land

#SlamWords #Edition61 #Round5

Round 6 – Foggy Morning

The city where I grew up records over 300 days a year with fog. If I never see another foggy morning it will be too soon.

#SlamWords #Edition61 #Round6

Round 7 – Peace & Quiet

To a child, peace & quiet implies boredom.
To a parent, peace & quiet is nirvana.

Perspective is important.

#SlamWords #Edition61 #Round7

Round 8 – Sky-burst

The sky-burst convinced the gathered crowd that they were witness to a miracle.

Actually, they were extras in a comedy show.

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Round 9 – Snow-Capped Beauty

Oh, how the western United States would love to see the snow-capped beauty of their majestic mountains again.

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Round 10 – Rushing Creek

A single chair.
A rushing creek.
A gripping read from an indy author.

A slice of heaven.

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Encore Round 1 – Rugged Terrain

The pioneering astronauts were tasked with navigating rugged terrain in extremely clumsy suits. The suits were known – the terrain was not.

The landing sites were best guess from 240,000 miles away.

#SlamWords #EncoreEd61 #Round1

Encore Round 2 – Vertical Cliffs

The vertical cliffs near my home were my sanctuary. Cut off from the noise of the city, I could watch as the hawks scouted for their lunch.

I often wondered if there was a little boy doing the same thing on the other side of the ocean.

#SlamWords #EncoreEd61 #Round2

Encore Round 3 – Harsh Conditions / Icy Fear

The harsh conditions of their jobs are a given. They know their icy fear will make a good story.

The things people do to get on TV.

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Encore Round 4 – Frostbitten

Many relationships mirror the seasons. The start is fresh and new, like spring. Summer is fun time. Love fades away like leaves in autumn, and the end falls into frostbitten recriminations.

Lucky are those who learn to lengthen the good times.

#SlamWords #EncoreEd61 #Round4

Encore Round 5 – Howling Winds

Lay by the pool
Seemingly lifetimes away
From the howling winds
Of winter

Secure in the knowledge
The roof is solid
The windows brand new
To fend off those winds
Just around the corner

#SlamWords #EncoreEd61 #Round5

Encore Round6 – Landslide/Avalanche

The results are in. The margin approached a landslide. If you paid attention, you could see it coming. It has been building for years.

Congratulations, Avalanche.

#SlamWords #EncoreEd61 #Round6

Encore Round 7 – Don’t Look Down

One foot
After the other
Adjust for wind
Steady the pole

And whatever you do
Don’t
Look
Down

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Encore Round 8 – Treacherous Climb

The treacherous climb is famous for claiming those who are not ready. No one is dumb enough to go alone, without the local experts.

Now, if we could just get people to pack out their garbage…

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Encore Round 9 – Clinging to Hope

Will this be the viral tweet that gathers thousands of likes?

Here I am again, clinging to hope.

#SlamWords #EncoreEd61 #Round9

Encore Round 10 – Predators / Escape

His paranoia knows no bounds. It is exhausting. Seeing predators around every corner. Constantly planning his escape.

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