Written last summer on Independence Day week-end at our summer concert in the park.


Ione, Oregon /I own/
Virginia Salter

Ione, Oregon
tiny valley, wind tunnel
edged by sagebrush-laden,
rock-trimmed hills, cliffs

Its family, friends
gather ‘neath blazing sun
to begin tribute
America, beautiful America!

As if in a lush bowl of greens
filled with fixin’s of color, taste
houses nestled amid evergreen, deciduous
An oasis of life, beauty

POW!! first notes blast greeting;
orchestral grandeur explodes
gentle melodies ensue
memories pan this community’s heart

Generations of time pass
in momentous reflections
each mind, young, old
touched, transported

Past loved one’s images rise
“look, a tear from the lonely, proud”
smiles uplift, carry the crowd
to rejoice for freedom won

Notes sparkle, titillate
fill heavens array
as “America the Beautiful” erupts in joy
echoing emotions high and lifted
“In God we trust!!!”

© July 2, 2000