Devil's Nose

written by Mrs. Seals

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Sunlight breaks through the clouds

Revealing a mountain peak.

Sloping up from the valley below.

A crooked nose

Seen from far away.

At the foot of the summit

The valley hovers in its shadow.

Over two centuries ago

When the valley was settled

Folks made the climb.

The long trek up the bridge of the nose

Ascends in a challenging slant.

Crosses a shallow stream.

Clamber.

Stumble.

A rugged trail.

Near the top of the trail

It ends in a flat surface.

Peaceful.

Tranquil.

God’s place.

An early traveler once asked,

“What’s the mountain's name?”

The mountain pioneer replied,

“The Devil knows.”

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Mrs. Seals is a teacher at Cherokee High.