Great Smokies Writer-in-Residence Uses Haiku To Inspire Park Visitors

Experiences in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are often an explosion of rich sensations—wildflowers bursting into colorful bloom; the sounds of creeks, streams, and waterfalls alternating between quiet serenades and crashing cymbals; endless birdsong beckoning me to crane my neck and scan the treetops.

Haiku is a perfect vehicle for transforming these powerful, albeit fleeting, thoughts and experiences into something tangible, something I can remember.

fringed phacelia
the ultimate spring welcome
cradle me in white

Despite living in Western North Carolina and being an avid outdoors person, I am loathe to admit I once knew precious little about the Smokies. Introduced to the park’s abundance of lush trails and eye-opening programs through the Steve Kemp Writers’ Residency, a program created by Great Smoky Mountains Association, an educational nonprofit partner of the park, I see myself now as both ambassador and interpreter. The residency, named after former GSMA creative services director Steve Kemp, who retired in 2017, honors its namesake’s three-decades-long legacy of connecting millions of visitors and armchair explorers with the park.

Selected for the writers’ residency in 2022, I’ve spent much of the last year immersed in the national park. The combination of walks with Steve Kemp, conversations with park experts, and my own personal meandering has been deeply meaningful personally and professionally.

I know my thoughts and experiences give Frances Figart pause to smile. “Our goal in designing the Steve Kemp Writers Residency is to help writers develop a personal connection to the park, one that not only inspires their best work while living in the park but potentially influences their work in the future as well,” says Figart, GSMA’s Creative Services Director who took over the reins of the publishing program from Kemp.

Beyond overseeing the residency, and introducing writers to Steve Kemp, Figart also introduces them to the myriad of park experts who can help them become more rooted in this breathtaking, bio-diverse environment.

she calls upon me
teacher to willing student
i choose the lesson

By its very nature, writing is an interpretive act. What I appreciate about this opportunity is the ability to offer others a new way in which to view it.

“I’m incredibly grateful for getting to know the park in a way I would not have otherwise,” says Elise Anderson, one of the program’s inaugural writers-in-residence. “There’s immense value to having a place represented by an artist. Writers can translate science, for example, in ways that matter more to people.”

A bear encounter on Andrews Bald opened Wasserman's eyes to the challenges bears face at the hands of unknowing humans/Sue Wasserman

Another former writer-in-residence, Latria Graham, dug deep to look at the park from an African American perspective, both historically and in the present day. During her time in the park, she spoke of messages she received asking how a person of color could be safe in the woods.

In one moving article passage, she wrote, referring to both past and present: “The more we see, the more we document, the more we share, the better we can empower those who come after us. I’ve learned during all my years of historical research that even when white guilt, complacency, and intentional neglect try to erase our presence, there is always a trace. Now there are hundreds of us, if not thousands, intent on blazing a trail.”

My own intention is to use writing, specifically haiku, to help visitors become more present to their individual experiences.

A Japanese form of poetry that celebrates brevity, haiku tends to be more accessible for children and adults who may not believe they have the skill set for poetry. Traditionally focused on the natural world, haiku invites us to be in the moment, to be present to the sights and sensations. I see it as a mindful meditation of sorts, one that helps me leave other thoughts behind. Haiku asks that you look around and notice your surroundings, to appreciate the gifts the present moment brings. Who knows what people will discover once given the opportunity to go deeper into nature?

During a recent haiku program I offered to GSMA members, which I call “Hike-Ooh” because of the wonder nature inspires, I invited participants to become more present within themselves and our surroundings, and, after a brief introduction, write haiku of their own.

i am a hollow log
i have a purpose you see
take refuge in me

~Jeff Hunt

water rushing by
looking up into the trees
i can hear my thoughts

~Anne May

reaching for the sky
sweet resting place for my mind
your roots provide peace

~Miranda Bemis

Their feedback was powerful and made it clear to me that every new experience can strengthen an existing connection to the natural world and, just maybe, inspire one more person to help protect it.

bear necessities
foraging nature’s bounty
free from human harm

Sue Wasserman is the 2022 Steve Kemp Writer in Residence hosted by Great Smoky Mountains Association, which is accepting applications for the 2023 residency through Nov. 1. Learn more at smokiesinformation.org/writers-residency. Wasserman, who has written for a variety of publications, including The New York Times and Southern Living Magazine, is also the author of "A Moment’s Notice" and "Walk with Me: Exploring Nature’s Wisdom." In addition to editing client books, she enjoys working as a teaching artist. She lives in Bakersville, NC.

The Great Smoky Mountains Association is a supporter of the National Parks Traveler.

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.