John Muir
When I travel the Rocky Mountains or any wilderness trail – I think of John Muir. His writings and descriptions of the mountains have always left me wanting more. John Muir the naturalist was a man that inspired me with his thoughts and deeds – sometimes I feel him standing over my shoulder talking to me when I read what he left behind – like it was written just for me. I have been asked before if by a quirk of fate and I could talk to one person now deceased. Who would that be? Without hesitation that person would be John Muir.
If you would like to learn more about John Muir:
http://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/life/muir_biography.aspx
“John Muir ”
Ascending high in the Rocky Mountains – if I listen I will hear,
The voice of John Muir – sometimes far away, sometimes near.
Muir knew of the tug, and pulling of the heart and soul,
Because of him – wandering the mountains, I must stroll.
He knew of the mountain music and wrote of its lovely tune,
He saw the beauty of the remote mountain high – under a full moon.
The quaking of the aspens – He would listen silently and wonder,
He would also marvel at the mountain storm’s of lightning and thunder.
To hear his call and be able to walk his footsteps, I have been blessed,
John Muir – words of nature inspired me in my own wilderness quest,
Before me he felt – the peaceful longing, the sense of serenity,
Just like Muir – the Rockies have become a part of my identity.
The wilderness quote that inspires me – belongs to John Muir,
He understood the remote mountains and its magical lure.
Walking Muir’s path of the white capped shrouds of so long ago,
His words travel with me – “The Mountains are calling and I must go”
By Kurt James
Kurt James © 2017
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A poet and novelist, Kurt writes Western fiction and historical adventure with grit, realism, and heart. His work has been featured by the Denver Post, PM Magazine, and 9NEWS, and praised for capturing the spirit of the Old West in vivid, cinematic detail.
Author of more than twenty books, Kurt’s acclaimed Rocky Mountain Series brings the frontier to life through powerful storytelling and unforgettable landscapes. His upcoming novels—Reifschneider Stagecoach Detective and Winter of the Wolf Moon—continue that legacy.
Kurt James is a proud member of the Western Writers of America.
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Kurt, this is a wonderful tribute to John Muir. I love your poem about this fascinating, amazing man. Every time I look up at the Sierra Mountains or cross over them on the way to California, I think of John Muir and how he so loved the wilderness. His preservation work has left us with lasting beauty. Thank you for sharing this piece, it is great.
Phyllis, I almost didn’t publish this – because it hardly seemed like a fitting tribute to a man I so admire. His work towards the preservation of nature and the mountains has always inspired me in the way of the wilderness. He was a man of vast vision and he truly is my hero. So having said that your words on my poem have made my day and I thank you.
Kurt, I only learnt of John Muir about ten years ago watching a documentary series about him on TV. It just so happened my best friend at the time was also named John Muir (now sadly deceased).
He was an amazing human being and a true pioneer. Your poem is a fitting tribute. Well done.
Thanks John. I first learned about him in grade school when we had a member of the Sierra Club come talk to our class about different types of trees in our area. His work in preservation here in the USA was along with Teddy Roosevelt some of the most inspiring to say the least. Glad you enjoyed my little tribute to the man.