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wandering
Member

since 2001-01-21

Posts 92

0 posted 2001-02-05 08:57 PM

This is a poem of haleakala, a sleeping volcano on Maui that I had the experience of entering and traveling across.

                  HALEAKALA

   Born of the sea, she rises high, caressed by the wings of birds,
   She overlooks the emerald valleys and topaz seas at her feet.
   Clouds, moisture laden and tired from long journeys rest here,
   Repaying their hiatus by soaking the landscape in life giving rains.
   She lures us closer, dares us to share her secrets.
   Like a new love we move slow and cautiously, upwards,
   Climbing the seemingly endless, twisting road to the peak.
   On the summit we can touch the clouds and peer into her heart.
   It is here that they say the sun is born each morning,
   Rising into the crystalline skies to greet us.
   It is also here that we gaze upon our world’s creation.
   Frozen in time is time itself.
  All at once it is alien, barren, vivid and beautiful.
  Colors contrast, play and shift into each other.
  Rust, ochre and green blend into a backdrop splashed in purple and violet.
  Clouds hover in the distance, tinged with oranges, pinks and gold.
  To venture into her heart is to step into her soul.
  She challenges you onwards as sands move and shift beneath your feet,
  As time it self has done here, ever changing, ever shifting, yet never changing at all.
  Rock of all sizes, charcoal and earth in color are strewn about,
  A testament to the violence and fury of her fiery birth.
  Though at first glance it seems harsh and lifeless, life prevails.
  To survive here is an incredible journey unique in itself.
  Adaptation is the rule. There is no forgiveness.
  Succulents abound, where ladybugs hide, tucked between their leaves,
  Small sand colored birds dart between bushes and silver-gray plants bloom.
  Once aware of the life around you it is no longer a silent world.
  Wind whistles through the openings in lava stones, insects buzz from flower to flower,
  The mists softly envelop you in a cool sigh.
  And if you are fortunate enough,
  You may hear the moan of the nene, from the green slopes beyond.
   It is after all of this that you will then realize that the ground you set upon is alive.
  Beneath you lie the dormant energies of life itself. Creation awaiting to be awakened.
  Close your eyes and you can feel the slow shallow pulse of its sleep.
  Your steps back to the summit may be slow and gingerly with this in mind.
   The sleeping giant must not be disturbed. Let her slumber on.
   And in a dreamlike state you leave her, forever touched by the stark beauty.
   Her name on your lips, her music etched in your mind.
   For it is in the heart of Haleakala, you have witnessed the birth of your soul.

lost in thought, found in words.
wanderer

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

1 posted 2001-02-05 09:27 PM

We have friends in Hawaii who have asked us to come and visit....but....I think you've just shared what I might see, and very well, indeed....

Corinne
Member Ascendant

since 1999-10-28

Posts 5167
state of confusion

2 posted 2001-02-06 03:49 PM

I've been there, a haunting, beautiful place.

You've described it perfectly!

Corinne

Charisma

Member Ascendant

since 2000-09-30

Posts 5906
lost in blue pages

3 posted 2001-02-10 07:58 AM

wonderful description, makes me desire to visit these wonderful islands.

Charisma

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