Pine Mountain Poetry
Across the saddle of the mountain
the evening pinks, shadows fall.
Campers sit on the rock
thinking their own thoughts.
I have prepared Vespers,
but I become quiet, and let the wind
whisper its gentle scripture.
The preaching of the moonrise
like all preachings
is a crescent -- just enough
for us to remember
how full hope is
in spite of the phases of our lives,
the clouds, even the eclipses.
A little guitar, the smell of pine -- hands
reach out to touch
someone warm, something elusive.
This is the last night of camp --
its own benediction.
Maren C. Tirasbassi
At Horton Center
Blueberry High
by the 1975 Sr. High Backpackers
Camping grounds and mountain trails,
Wil River running free.
Society's roles are gone and broken now.
Mountaintop views and quiet moonlit campfires
lighting the sky.
Sunshine days and snowy clouds
floating over the mountainside.
I've learned to like myself and love my friends.
It's a wonderful feeling when people are
working together,
pulling together,
laughin together
through thick and thin.
Sometimes our deepest thoughts are shared
in silence.
And a piece of every person
will stay in our memories
forever.
Rock Talk
Life on the mountain is quite special
It is not just a place to rest and nestle
Learning about life can put you on the edge
From walking a trail to climbing a ledge
We all have a hard time with listening
Sometimes we wonder if the bell will ever ring
Learning about people and life can be tough
I can just wonder when I have had enough
Working hard to find a life with some meaning
It will make you wonder if it just needs kneading
Sitting here on a rock
Learning how to talk
This is why I am here
To talk, watch, and just lend an ear
Arthur "Jo-Jo" Nadeau
UCC North Hampton Unit Leader
1994
I will lift up my eyes to the
cross on Chapel Rock --
from where does my help come?
My help comes from God
who made the mountain view
and cave deep.
God will swim in the river
and hold you in the waterfall.
God who keeps you will stay awake for you
while you rest in sleeping bags
in the Spirit Lodge.
The keeper of Horton Center
is in Faith Discovery and Council,
Unit Challenge and Agape Meal.
God is your keeper.
God is in laughter and friendship bracelet
possum night and Pinestock.
You shall climb rocks in the sunshine
and hear stories by moonlight.
God will keep you in community.
God will keep you all your life.
God will keep you as you leave here
and when you return --
from this summer on and
forevermore.
Maren C. Tirasbassi
Psalm 121
For Horton Center
No one can walk upon its trails,
marvel at its vistas,
or be in its presence
without knowing that God created this earth!
Quote of Unknown Origin
Legacy
Someday these campers will return to be on staff, to volunteer, or to bring their own children to camp. Each is part of the continuing history of Horton Center on Pine Mountain that goes back to the founding group with Dr. Horton, and will go forward into the future. Each generation takes up the leadership of Pine Mountain for the next.
Gregg Pitman
