I Know That Wilderness Heals

Six-year veteran hiker Mary Walsh wrote the following poem in 2001.

Wilderness Heals

My husband wouldn't take a hike
So, I decided to
Because someone told me about
Wilderness Heals

Some groups choose to walk or bike
This group chooses a long, long hike
They know that Wilderness Heals

For eleven years and still hiking
In conditions not necessarily always to their liking
They shift into another gear and uncomplainingly persevere
Because they believe in Wilderness Heals

For survivors of trauma
Each the keeper of her own personal drama
For family, for friends, for victims hoping for the violence to end
From wherever the motivation stems
It's true that Wilderness Heals

For the challenge, the healing, the energy, the synergy
For affirmation, validation, to overcome trepidation
Through the smiles, the tears, the hugs, the fears
It suddenly becomes clear that Wilderness Heals

The tattooed, the newly shoed, the altruistically imbued,
The formerly often overwhelmingly unglued
And the hopefully never again to be black and blued
Hike together as one
And say in unison
"Wilderness Heals," "Wilderness Heals"

My husband wouldn't take a hike
So, I decided to
Now, I know that Wilderness Heals

--Mary Walsh