Ode to Yosemite

Oh Hollowed vision

of meadows meandering faith--

Mystified dew falling

Shower from Heaven's abode.

Caught in a bowl of grandeur

In Splendor weeping,

I wake up with joy!

Our first meeting was on an insistent invite-

Your friendly lovers' quarrel mend,

Belayed by his ardent resolve--

A place of refuge and soulful fill.

I still hear the distant inviting words,

Swift to deliver to an eagle's nest

Incensed of oak, pine and cedar.

"This most beautiful

place in the world!"

rests in the feathered abode above

the warring worlds.

Gaze upon this valley it bestowed

from beyond the 140 to descend below,

Eyes did share this splendid Beauty

spoken in your voice, opened by your hands.

Blessed time carved walls, veined by seasons

of which one was mine.

Mesmerizing chandelier as suspended lakes

Buttressed by rainbows of crystal weaving like arteries

around the heart of the land-- each pulsing drop

nourish the souls below!

Ashes lay on hallowed ground

to color the emerald lakes the pristine mirrors

and seascapes of stars that highlight

 the night sky above?  Teach as ancients

did of lost time, lost dreams

All journey to a second past.

Wishes wander through the church cabin below

lifting the bridal veil to hear lovers vows

shared on a fine morning born.

Oh what sighs echoes from El Capitan,
doused by streams of tears from the maiden

of Yosemite Fall or

witness promises split

On Half Dome?

Today I come back with four unwinged angels

playing your silenced voice

that now roam this land:

the rustling leaves,  the warmth of the midday sun

the cool breeze enveloped me of sounds

that only souls hear!

If Divine solace received upon the view

from this Sacred Mount-

receive the Love Embrace painted with Might!

Stands on this Pedestal of Strength,

for Time shall wane the bonds of dust,

and settle to wipe the faces of these Mountains,

that in one moment suffering ceased

only a pastoral prayer, 

this solemn ode,

will no longer want!

_______________________

Meus Otium:

I wrote this a few years ago-- upon the loss of my boyfriend at the time.  It started more as a memory of a weekend trip to Yosemite-- the first time he wanted me to see it.  I think the main theme that came out of was lost dreams,  fleeting existence and the cruelty of our suffering which seem to wane when one finds oneself in such a beautiful place. It is a comfort that surpasses all understanding...  I came back with four friends and I included that here as a point of contrast and the captured stills and their voices fill this ode... The painting is from Frida Kahlo of the same title to her work...I feel it represents many of the sentiments brought here :-) Have a wonderful day!