Mossy Mounds
~
hills worn smooth by time
limestone mounds covered in green
make mossy marvels
~
I’ve grown to love the subtle beauty of the Ozark Mountains. The Ozarks are the exposed remains of an ancient mountain range hundreds of millions of years old. They were birthed by seismic upheaval and shaped by time and vast inland seas during prehistoric times. Additionally, vast tracks of land sit on what is called the Ozark Plateau, which are limestone plateaus eroded into hills, valleys, and bluffs by water, but are not true mountains.
Many of these exposed limestone rocks are covered in moss, fungi, and lichen. Moss are simple and ancient plants (with stems and roots) that have remained the same for millions of years. Lichens are two organisms – a fungus and an algae – living together in a symbiotic relationship. They survive by absorbing nutrients from their host which can be trees, plants, or rocks. In fact, the rocks in the photo above are covered in moss with some lichen too. It’s a mixed-up menagerie in these Ozark hills!
Beautiful hills in their splendor and such a wonderful poem, Brad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kamal. May beauty fill your week.
LikeLike
Welcome Brad same to u too
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks and welcome Kendall.
LikeLiked by 1 person
lovely words and photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Neha!
LikeLike
it seems to be a wonderful place with a lot of ancient energy which attracts you so much, Brad. Have a nice day, regards Mitza
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes Mitza. The Ozarks are ancient and intriguing. I hope you find ancient beauty this week. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just have to look into the mirror:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL. You must have a great sense of humor Mitza!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your reverence for nature is so inspiring, Brad. You can see beauty in things that so many of us wouldn’t even take notice of. Thank you for reminding me to look around, actually see what’s around me, and appreciate the gift of it all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome Brooke. It was a long hard transition having traveled the country and lived in Boulder where beauty was so dramatic and obvious. I’ve gradually learned to find it in the small simple things (nature, people, food, etc.). Thanks for noticing. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, Brad! Nature is so amazing! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed. Thanks Julie!
LikeLike
I have never seen them and would love to! Lovely photos~
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Cindy. We’ll leave the lights on! 🙂
LikeLike
Oh wow, love how creative and informative this is! It looks like a very peaceful place to be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Arbie. I’m glad you could share in the peace and beauty. blessings, Brad
LikeLike
Great poem…great pictures…love the Mossy Mounds!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kirt. I’m glad you enjoyed a peak at my corner of the world. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mossy marvels indeed, Brad. I like your poem and photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Cynthia. I’m glad you enjoyed my foray into fungi! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love old mountains and their terrains. I didn’t know lichen were two symbiotic organisms. That’s very cool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Diana. I’m glad you enjoyed my ramblings on the geology and plants of Arkansas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not that different from the Green Mountains of VT. I miss those forests. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve heard good things about the Green Mountains and explored the lower Appalachians.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting explanation and patterns. soft moss on hard surfaces. Yes, they are marvelous. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks JoAnna. I find them fascinating, along with most of nature. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome place to be… thanks for sharing Brad ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome Barbara.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Full of character and majesty Brad, I’m not surprised you’ve grown to love this place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Andrea.
LikeLiked by 1 person