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Open Poetry #32
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Climbing, Evermore
| Open Poetry #32 |
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Climbing, Evermore |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart 
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Climbing, Evermore My first memory is of climbing Tahoe, Some mere 8200’ plus or minus, for my father Eclipsed all of what was before me, but The air smelled good, the water was clear, And yes, it was five decades ago… Four decades ago, I planted seed in Big Bear, a lesser height Of 6700’ plus or minus, but the fires had ravaged, And the pine was needed to keep erosion at bay, As ecologist I pretended to be, a lover of trees even then. Yellowstone called to us in the year of 1970, We traversed the climb of 8100’ to stand in snow – in June… My brother, sister, and I… Giggling in summer sleeves and shorts, that we Mere Californians, would stand on snowcone crystals Topping this mount; And then in the 80’s, I found Yosemite, and Halfmoon Mountain And waterfalls magnificent, thinking that, at 9500’ To have touched the face of heaven. ~&~ I had been delivered south and north of the Rockies; East and west of them as well; it came as a surprise To lose my breath as I faced the storm That hid the tops of magnificence; And as the train clogged its cogs to rail our way Into the clouds,  I did not believe I would see very much, but then the sun, Speaking to me but for a moment, shone through, Highlighting Miss Bates’ first view, only The skies had cleared for her; I had to climb on in faith, trusting belief;  And then, the following day, June 22, 2004, Thirty-four years after a June snow, It had snowed again, atop Pike’s Peak, And once more, the sun gave a moment Of reverence, For all of us who believe in what is only Momentarily ours…  The optimist in me returns, And the words were never more beautiful, That America is my home… And the land that I shall love, preserve, protect, And care for, evermore. quote: Katharine Lee Bates: The original score, written 1904; Her final version was written in 1913. |
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| © Copyright 2004 Karilea Rilling Jungel - All Rights Reserved | |||
Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Such a beautiful trip you have taken us on. Thank you Karilea...much enjoyed... Yes, America The Beautiful... |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Absolutely awesome, Karilea! I have chills running up and down my arms!  ....jo |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Karilea You took me back to all those places that I visited as a child...we may have been there at the same time, ya think? We are sisters afterall, and probably were then! Thank you!  |
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bslicker
since 2000-12-04
Posts 2321state of mind |
this is breath taken!!!!!! enjoyed very very much Bernie  A smile a day keeps the world in smile's. |
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Fagin Member
since 2004-05-07
Posts 126Ca |
Great pics... I remember the snow quite well Thanks Sis |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
what a wonderful trip you have taken us on with your words and images....indeed.... America The Beautiful.... |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
Karilea your precious images, both words and glorious photography have brought tears of joy to my heart. Thank you for this astounding testimony of how much we possess. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Goosebumps Karilea...you gave me good goosebumps! Excellent write and pictures.... America the beautiful indeed!! Hugs~ Something tugs at me, I've no doubt of that. |
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kayjay Member Elite
since 2002-06-24
Posts 2015Oregon |
You must be careful or readers will be so awestruck by your photography that we'll miss your words. This is also a fine notice that we'll soon celebrate the 228th anniversayr of our "noble experiment." KJ Through rubble and trouble and dark of night |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
how'd I miss this?  wow...I'm glad I went back...this is just stunning! |
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Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
Karilea...Thanks for sharing your memories with us. Each one a treasure to behold...Paul ~~To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you~~ |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Simply exquisite! hugs Karilea! Chris Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale. |
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