Some landscapes quietly become part of our lives. I took this photograph years ago on a midsummer walk through Sourland Mountain in New Jersey. The poem that follows grew from that same summer afternoon and carries with it the deep green stillness of July.
Sourland Mountain in July
The asphalt fajita pan
sizzles,
white papal smoke ascends
from black aluminum,
scorches
naked feet,
temperatures climb, calibrated
for the appointed broiling
of flesh—
Sourland Mountain at noonday
in July:
I listen to the psalms of emerald leaves
upon twigs and branches
uplifted in praise,
the songs of the scarlet tanager,
melodious with the orchestra of Monét clouds
in this gated city of chlorophyll,
a uniform green madness—
Though I walk
through the hardness of rocks
and boulders,
I will not take this green
for granted,
I mumble on every single leaf
of fern, weed and tree,
revel
in the uncomfortable warmth,
while the green is teeming
at this very moment
before the gradual accumulated
turnings of the universe,
of sun, moon and stars
awaken
the coldness from its slumber,
before the leaves turn
into empty brown
paper bags
blown by the wind.
—Deirdra Vachal
From the poetry collection Where Love Dwells (2025) by Deirdra Garcia Vachal
Photography by Deirdra Vachal
lilies, sparrows and grass 
What a beautiful poem and photograph. Your words capture both the beauty and the fleeting nature of summer so vividly. They remind us to appreciate the present moment and never take nature’s blessings for granted. Thank you for sharing such heartfelt work.
Thank you so much, Anowar. I’m grateful the poem and photograph spoke to you. Summer always reminds me to slow down and treasure the beauty that quietly surrounds us. Thank you for visiting and reading so thoughtfully.
It’s my pleasure 😊❤️
Hey D! It’s been a while. I was just visiting your page yesterday to check if I missed anything!! Praying you are well. 🙏🏻🌹☕️
And today I wake up to this. Beautiful work. ☀️💚💛 God is good. Be blessed, friend!!
Thank you so much, dear Chrissy. Your sweet words and prayers truly mean so much to me. It has been a difficult season, but God has been faithful through it all. I’m so glad this little corner of summer found its way to you. Blessings to you, my friend. ❤️
My road is also full of bumps and ruts right now, so I’m glad we can prop each other up!! Love to you, sister. 🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻
Love the leaves imagery as empty brown paper bags in autumn 🍂
Thank you so much, Susan. I’m so glad that image spoke to you. Even in the fullness of July, autumn quietly waits in the wings. 🌿
Enjoyed the photo with the light filtering through the green leaves and your poem of the shortness of summer.
Thank you so much. I’m so glad both the photograph and the poem spoke to you. Even in the richness of summer, we’re gently reminded to treasure each season while it is here. 🌿
So many beautiful images in your poem, dear Dee. Was wondering when you would post again. So glad you were able to now. I, too, love that paper bag image of Fall leaves and as a lover of Fall it lifted my spirits. Hope you are okay. Extra good wishes and love, Ellen
Thank you so much, dear Ellen. Your thoughtful words always bring a smile to my face. It has been a rather full season, but I am doing well, thank you. I’m so happy the paper bag image lingered with you. It always reminds me how quickly summer gives way to autumn. Sending my love and warmest wishes to you. ❤️🌿
Sending ❤️ and good wishes tou you, Dee, during this hard time. Your beauty of mind and soul shows in your poetry.