Nothing seems to move at first, and sporadic spots of tattered black plastic peek through the soil, providing a clear hint of what lies just a few inches beneath the dirt. Small patches of blackberry vines ramble down one side of the landfill, among the folds of dirt on the front. Soon, their blossoms will tempt a few butterflies and birds. While all the life that emerges in other places around the Highlands speaks of the great beauty this time of year holds for us, I stand amazed at what is surviving at Kim-Stan. Nature as well is a hard, persistent worker.
Idealistic hopes grow even here among what seems insurmountable.
One day, it may be possible for the mountainside to offer the presence of Sarvis again. One changing season, perhaps. I've lived in Clifton Forge proper since 1975. I graduated from Hollins and teach English composition at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. And, I'm a volunteer, chauffeur, organizer, homemaker, quilter, chief home-animal caretaker.