An Appalachian Miscellany
The obelisk overlooks a vertiginous drop to the creek, running at that point east so that the looming north face of the ridge blocks the winter sun. Despite a week of warm temps, the creek is blank white ice, its banks above crowded with shade-loving hemlocks, green so deep it’s black.
Behold ye stranger
As you pass me by
As you are now
So once was I
As I am now
So you must be
Prepare for death and
Follow me.
Thus reads the epitaph of Clay Henry Cooper of Upper Twin Creek whose memorial obelisk and grave is located on the ridge top, high above the old Cooper homestead.
Forbidden Twin 