... So this is stopper out the bottle, I guess. I have to admit to being stunned by the immensity of The Big Country and have struggled to write about it "head-on". Hopefully more bite-size chunks will emerge in due course! :)) K xx
AT YAKI POINT
Crags rise, canyons fall;
as brooding shadow or cave,
castles and temples shift
in dance of cliff with light.
Veiled by circling raven’s wing,
words fail, fall noiseless down
deep into earth’s fissure.
Beauty is its own mute language,
layers soft-spoken in hues
of ancient sediment:
Vishnu rock, Coconino sandstone,
Bright Angel, Hermit shale;
Redwall limestone, Temple butte
and Toroweap formation.
For now, I am the silence
of uplift, erosion, desert;
hush of sweeping blackbrush,
sigh of ponderosa pine.
Suspended thoughts dropped
might take two thousand million
years to gently reach rock bottom,
At last it is catching up time. I have read this one several times and when I finish there is a welling up within me that words haven't produced in many months. How lovely and accurate are your writings about a special place in the U.S. and in my heart! Thank you. - Bill
BEAUTIFUL...so beautiful, Kate! Your words brought a mystique to the Canyons. You have brought beauty to me that, as an acrophobic, I could not see and enjoy in person; I've loved every moment of your magical tour, friend!
The Canyon's beauty and your words are a wondrous match!
Share more soon...please!
Blessings and Love - Micke
BTW - I've been watching (PBS-TV) the BBC series about Kew Gardens, which you introduced us to in your poem "Nurseryman". A marvelous series. OH! And great to have you back in your Den!
Such places are sacred--at least they certainly inspire sacred thoughts-- they are shrines to the Grand Creator, I think. Like Cryssa, I love your tone of reverence in this write. I hope you got to visit Bryce Canyon, Arches, Zion's and Yellowstone too... so much beauty in this wide open place.
Seeing, then, our own villages from a height, doesn't it seem a waste of humanity-- all of us packaged in little rectangular plots so snuggly close together?
I would that we all could be amazed frequently by the beauty that really is an integral part of this earth. --Charlie
Nice work on this poetic expression Kate...when one first sets sight on the magnificence of the Grand Canyon it does leave one in silence, absorbing each and every moment transformed into those thoughts that could only end up as you say...light years away...beauty is a word that can only describe the view from the eyes, language is the measure of our mind, and the soul is where we cherish our moments when we are taken by the silence of magnificence...glad you enjoyed your escape from the monotony of repetitive life...
Magnificent write Kate. You have such an awesome ability to paint with words that I start to feel like a broken record in my praises. You inspire me so much. Thank you!
Chanti
Truly miraculous...my son and 3 others just drove to CA from MN....through the Grand Canyon, black hills etc. the photos were breathtaking as is your poem!
Love,
Christine
Welcome back Kate, you've been missed! Here today in NY we've had another horrific event where a man gone mad has killed and maimed many people. After reading your superb poem I thought of how we humans,with poems like yours that take us into a place where we can stand in the footsteps of so many who have gone before us and been blessed by the majestic creation,that have stood for thousands and millions of years, and how insignicant our petty grievances seem in the scheme of things.I ponder why we never learn this truth as I pray for those mourning their murdered loved ones today,for ways to reach those who commit such acts,before they do it, and thank God for the sanity that can give us moments like this to expunge the horrors we must live with on this glorious but deadly earth.
Sorry, I'm in a mood,and yours was the first read today;-)...ET
I remember the first time I went to The Canyon and realized that all of that beauty was created by the rushing waters of the, once mighty, Rio Grande. The view is breathtaking from every angle and the vastness of the desert canyon reminds us that no matter how small we are, our footprints here change everything forever. It seems that you can feel the spirits of a hundred generations when you visit there, yet each one seems so unique and special. Thank you for sharing your deep impressions of her stark beauty; you have renewed the awe within my own memories.
Take care,
Sherry
you've reminded me of how often my jaw has dropped while being in this place...Gosh hope it didn't snow on ya, you certainly visited at its colder time of year. But wind chills and all...the energy in this place is unforgetable...
MMMM.....deliciously written! Your words bring forth an almost sacred mood as you share the feelings of my heart when I look at a glorious scene and realization hits me that only a great Creator could combine the elements to forge such beauty. And then my mind further takes me to the realization that He made such beauties for me...for each of us on the Earth to partake of, if we will but take the moment to stop...look...and enjoy. How thrilled He must then be to have us show our thanks with words such as these...in the hushed silent tones of reverence and gratitude.
SO good to see you posting again! It is always a delight to read your words, whether in a poem or a review.
Love,
Cryssa :~)
You took me to where I have always dreamed of going with this superlative descriptive write combined with your brilliant thoughts and ideas. As always sweet Kate your poetry is a gift that you offer us. Thank you for sharing and it is good to see you back on the den.
Such vivid imagery, Kate and it's so nice to read your work again!
Reviewed by Gianetta Ellis (Reader)
Reviewed on April 3, 2009
Terrific conclusion to this descriptive, holistically-felt experience. The inspiration embedded in nature is infinite and patient; I am sure it feels its own sense of gratitude to be interpreted by you.
Perhaps "..Quiet Storm" will help rekindle old flames buried and long forgotten or express the love so deeply locked inside of your soul longing to be released.
Regardless of where you may be found in love this beautiful masterpiece can be
From First Love to its destructive end and on to new beginnings, Mary Angela Nangini's poems explore the birth and death of a relationship. The powerful poems are presented in two parts with an introduction to her next book My Ontario Beautiful. (Th
At last it is catching up time. I have read this one several times and when I finish there is a welling up within me that words haven't produced in many months. How lovely and accurate are your writings about a special place in the U.S. and in my heart! Thank you. - Bill
Regis
The Canyon's beauty and your words are a wondrous match!
Share more soon...please!
Blessings and Love - Micke
BTW - I've been watching (PBS-TV) the BBC series about Kew Gardens, which you introduced us to in your poem "Nurseryman". A marvelous series. OH! And great to have you back in your Den!
Seeing, then, our own villages from a height, doesn't it seem a waste of humanity-- all of us packaged in little rectangular plots so snuggly close together?
I would that we all could be amazed frequently by the beauty that really is an integral part of this earth. --Charlie
light years from my mind"
fantastic finale to an extremely visual poem ...
Art Sun...
Love Tinka
Chanti
to experience it, 'The Big Country' tis beautiful
isn't it and it leaves much to ponder.
Veiled by circling raven’s wing,
words fail, fall noiseless down
deep into earth’s fissure.
and,
For now, I am the silence
of uplift, erosion, desert;
hush of sweeping blackbrush,
sigh of ponderosa pine.
Love the imagery and the experience.
Look forward to your next. - David
Welcome back,...and what a beautiful return. Take as many bows as you like, Sweet Lady!
John
Love,
Christine
Sorry, I'm in a mood,and yours was the first read today;-)...ET
For now, I am the silence
of uplift, erosion, desert;
hush of sweeping blackbrush,
sigh of ponderosa pine.
It can't be said any better than that. -gene.
Take care,
Sherry
SO good to see you posting again! It is always a delight to read your words, whether in a poem or a review.
Love,
Cryssa :~)
Hugs
fee
Welcome home, you've been missed! Wish you'd stopped in Texas on your tour of the Big Country. Would have loved to meet you!
This is beautifully imaged in verse - love the lines you use. Well done!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Beautifully written piece, with fantastic images.
Mary
Carole~
Newfie Hugs, Rose
In Spirit,
Bear
layers soft-spoken in hues
of ancient sediment:
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in America, Karen Lynn in Texas. :D
Edwin