Wysi·Wyg Volume I, Issue 3

The Serenity of Nature

by Heather B.

Evergreen trees wearing coats of white powder quietly shed their layers. In the crisp, still evening, flurries of snowflakes quietly descend to the earth. The sky’s doors are unlocked and opened wide. One by one, comfort and serenity gradually cascade upon me from up above. This breathtaking moment is as refreshing as a cool breeze. My world is at peace and I am at peace with it.

Perched high on top of a mountain named Flat Top, lies a lake house hidden in the midst of West Virginia. This lake house is familiar with the four seasons, my favorite being winter. As night settles on the mountain in the winter time, I sit on my dock admiring the warm sunset sinking slowly behind the evergreens. I close my eyes, feel the warmth, and see the heaven’s blend of colors meshing together in unity. Curious, I peek over the side of the dock, gaze into the crystal water, and stare at my reflection and the reflections around me. The smooth, glass images in the lake are interrupted by snowflakes rippling the lake’s surface. This reminds me of a newly composed song accompanied only by a piano. Each key, softly touched, plays a significant role and brings the song to life. If one key disrupts the flow, the song itself would be a disappointment. However, when the keys reach an agreement and collaborate, a masterpiece is born. This simple, yet brilliant lake scene is comparable to everyday life. Sometimes, many attempts and rough drafts are necessary before you can produce a final copy.

Speaking of final, the finale of the evening ends with Jack Frost disguising himself as he creeps throughout the night, sending shivers down spines. Fortunately, the glow of a friendly fire welcomes me to bask in its warmth. Wrapped up from head to toe in winter attire, I soon become parched. Piece by piece, I begin removing my hat, scarf, gloves, and then boots. I sip on a large mug of hot cocoa. Dropping marshmallows into the hot cocoa, I watch as the marshmallows begin to soften and melt a little. I start thinking about friends, and how they go well together like hot cocoa and marshmallows. When the marshmallow is placed in the hot cocoa, it is tasteful, where before, it was gooey and dry. A friend plays the same role as the hot cocoa, before you meet them, you are bland and unsavory. When you are inseparable from your best friend, your life is completely changed and you find that best friends bring out the best in each other.

Even though friends can be diamonds in the rough, sometimes they can take the appearance of rocks in the dirt. Honestly, I love my friends but everyone needs time alone every once and a while. Everyone needs to escape from the constant hustle and bustle of the world and find time for themselves, myself included. My tranquil getaway includes lying on my back in front of the outdoor fire, staring at the stars above. The stars remind me of what life would be like in a busy city; hazy, and unclear through all the smog. Out in the country, the sky is translucent and one can see each individual star; all shining bright like beacons of hope. After I gaze in to the sky, I relax my eyes and listen to the sounds of crickets chirping, wolves howling, fish jumping in the lake, and owls hooting. Although these sounds may be intimidating, they can also be soothing contrasted to the awful sounds of the city; beeping of horns, busy traffic, and the noise of people awake on the streets at night. Also at the secluded lake house, I can lay on my back in complete darkness with only the stars shining down upon me. Unfortunately, in the city, my only escape would be on the fire escape. I would spend my nights looking up at the sky, bombarded with unforgiving street lights. Another figure in nature that sheds light on the lake, literally, is the moon. The moon acts as GOD, watching over his people. When the moon shines down upon the lake, my heart is calmed and my mind is at peace.

Flat Top Mountain can be the perfect setting inside of a snow globe. The lake house is my own little world and escape from reality that helps me consider life in a tiny bubble. At this house, I learn life lessons and how to treasure the beauty of nature. In a way, the lake house can be compared to a safe haven or refuge. Below the house is the lake, which symbolizes the calm, peaceful valley. Once you climb out of the valley and up the mountain, hard times come walking up the stairs to the highest point. The lake house is the summit in which I find comfort. When I need to getaway and break free from the constant commotion and stir in my hometown, I can travel up north to my roots and visit my favorite place of serenity, Flat Top, West Virginia.

The Serenity of Nature by Heather B. Evergreen trees wearing coats of white powder quietly shed their layers. In the crisp, still evening, flurries of snowflakes quietly descend to the earth. The sky’s doors are unlocked and opened wide. One by one, comfort and serenity gradually cascade upon me from up above. This breathtaking moment is as refreshing as a cool breeze. My world is at peace and I am at peace with it. Perched high on top of a mountain named Flat Top, lies a lake house hidden in the midst of West Virginia. This lake house is familiar with the four seasons, my favorite being winter. As night settles on the mountain in the winter time, I sit on my dock admiring the warm sunset sinking slowly behind the evergreens. I close my eyes, feel the warmth, and see the heaven’s blend of colors meshing together in unity. Curious, I peek over the side of the dock, gaze into the crystal water, and stare at my reflection and the reflections around me. The smooth, glass images in the lake are interrupted by snowflakes rippling the lake’s surface. This reminds me of a newly composed song accompanied only by a piano. Each key, softly touched, plays a significant role and brings the song to life. If one key disrupts the flow, the song itself would be a disappointment. However, when the keys reach an agreement and collaborate, a masterpiece is born. This simple, yet brilliant lake scene is comparable to everyday life. Sometimes, many attempts and rough drafts are necessary before you can produce a final copy. Speaking of final, the finale of the evening ends with Jack Frost disguising himself as he creeps throughout the night, sending shivers down spines. Fortunately, the glow of a friendly fire welcomes me to bask in its warmth. Wrapped up from head to toe in winter attire, I soon become parched. Piece by piece, I begin removing my hat, scarf, gloves, and then boots. I sip on a large mug of hot cocoa. Dropping marshmallows into the hot cocoa, I watch as the marshmallows begin to soften and melt a little. I start thinking about friends, and how they go well together like hot cocoa and marshmallows. When the marshmallow is placed in the hot cocoa, it is tasteful, where before, it was gooey and dry. A friend plays the same role as the hot cocoa, before you meet them, you are bland and unsavory. When you are inseparable from your best friend, your life is completely changed and you find that best friends bring out the best in each other. Even though friends can be diamonds in the rough, sometimes they can take the appearance of rocks in the dirt. Honestly, I love my friends but everyone needs time alone every once and a while. Everyone needs to escape from the constant hustle and bustle of the world and find time for themselves, myself included. My tranquil getaway includes lying on my back in front of the outdoor fire, staring at the stars above. The stars remind me of what life would be like in a busy city; hazy, and unclear through all the smog. Out in the country, the sky is translucent and one can see each individual star; all shining bright like beacons of hope. After I gaze in to the sky, I relax my eyes and listen to the sounds of crickets chirping, wolves howling, fish jumping in the lake, and owls hooting. Although these sounds may be intimidating, they can also be soothing contrasted to the awful sounds of the city; beeping of horns, busy traffic, and the noise of people awake on the streets at night. Also at the secluded lake house, I can lay on my back in complete darkness with only the stars shining down upon me. Unfortunately, in the city, my only escape would be on the fire escape. I would spend my nights looking up at the sky, bombarded with unforgiving street lights. Another figure in nature that sheds light on the lake, literally, is the moon. The moon acts as GOD, watching over his people. When the moon shines down upon the lake, my heart is calmed and my mind is at peace. Flat Top Mountain can be the perfect setting inside of a snow globe. The lake house is my own little world and escape from reality that helps me consider life in a tiny bubble. At this house, I learn life lessons and how to treasure the beauty of nature. In a way, the lake house can be compared to a safe haven or refuge. Below the house is the lake, which symbolizes the calm, peaceful valley. Once you climb out of the valley and up the mountain, hard times come walking up the stairs to the highest point. The lake house is the summit in which I find comfort. When I need to getaway and break free from the constant commotion and stir in my hometown, I can travel up north to my roots and visit my favorite place of serenity, Flat Top, West Virginia.