HIXSON, TENNESSEE -It has been said that the most beautiful place in Tennessee during the spring is the
Reflection Riding-a 375-acre nature park known for its over 1,000 species of plant life and more than 300
wildflower varieties. In Dark Sails in the Twilight (now available through 1 stBooks Library), poet Walt
Barger invites readers to take a hike in the picturesque and historical mountains of Reflection Riding and
discover the irresistible charm of nature through his inspiring collection of poems.
Barger effectively and eloquently captures the visually breathtaking view of the Tennessee Valley and
magnificently blends it with century-old tales about Native American warriors. The poem "History
Embraced in Nature's Beauty," reflects Barger's lucid memories of the past and vision of the present. He
writes, "Trails along the banks/ of sleepy Lookout Creek where/ ghost ofCherokees loiter/ and peer from
thick bamboo./ The cries of an abused race/ whispers sadness in the stillness/ of the summer breeze along/'
The Trail of Tears."
Dark Sails in the Twilight also includes the melancholic poem "Bouquet of Her Smile," an intense verse
about the untimely death of true love. He writes, " What a hole she/ left in my breathing.'/ Life slowly,
almost/ gasping for air/ searching for the aroma/ of her hair, bending/ ear for footsteps/ moving through mist/
of moors, her silhouette/ here, her shadow there/ laying gently on memories/ of only hours ago."
Barger's profound verses are a rousing tribute to the rich and colorful biography of Tennessee and an
extraordinary addition to the contemporary American literature. He writes with acuity and sensitivity that
mirrors the literary works of acclaimed poet Randall Jarrell. Walt Barger was born and raised in southeastern
Tennessee. He took college courses in creative writing and is an active member of local poetry groups at
University of Tennessee and other interactive poetry organizations.
The sun stroked the clouds
with blazon blue streaked
with saffron yellow;
dark sails in the twilight
waddled silently on silver
tips of wave and trough;
poetic sparks glisten in twilight
of age sneaking from
moss dark and wet womb
laying dormant in semi-demise
from eons of infinite desires
that only youth dare dream.
Like a sailor without compass
the words flow in direction
of a land unexplored by
awe struck ornamental intelligence.
What a ride this boat of words
has given to dark sails that
gleefully glitter in twilight blowing
defiantly against disappearing space.
by Walt Barger
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