Grand Canyon In Poetry

[John Buonauro]

'THE CANYON CALLS'

The canyon calls this restless soul, to witness early sunrise glow.
Upon the rim I watch and stand, out at the vastness that's called 'Grand'.

The air is rising from below, and soon the pastels start to show.
The little creatures start to stir, their daily search for food, so dear.

And then the sky becomes alive, with colors that you can't describe.
The ageless rocky walls do shine, with beauty that they call sublime.

And as the colors start to wane, I shoulder pack and pick up cane.
Beneath the rim I do alight, on Angel Trail, know as 'Bright'.

With each preceding step I take, I leave life's worries in my wake.
The trail rutted deep from use, the footing gives, just slightly loose.

And down the trail I further go, the thoughts of eons past do grow.
Upon the hot and dusty floor, ahead I hear the river's roar.

The Colorado comes in view, with wonderous joy for chosen few.
Who gets to ride her mighty stream, through chasm that is just a dream.

And then I turn to make my way, back to the rim by end of day.
I stop to drink, the water warm, to catch my breath, it is the norm.

For each few steps that one does make, is sometimes more than one can take.
But after countless steps are made, the rim's in sight, and so is shade.

Upon the top the breathing slows, pulse rate returns, but feeling grows.
For what you've seen this wonderous day, upon your trip, along the way.

The desert big horns on the wall, they run and jump, but never fall.
The many birds that you've seen soar, above the mighty river's roar.

The juniper, the prickly pear, the cottontail and wild horse mare.
The temples, thrones and buttes remain, as many rock formations named.

The journey of the setting sun has come full circle, as begun.
The colors make their nightly quest, upon the canyon, toward the west.

They change with every passing stone, as 'Sol' makes journey toward her home.
It's time to wipe that tear away, the awesome beauty gone this day.

Your aching muscles, souvenirs, from passing through those depth of years.
You make your way toward your abode, with memories of miles you've strode.

The canyon calls this soul to sleep, his dreams this night of her grand deep.
John Buonauro, 'The Woodcarver'
©January 16, 1997

[montezumawell]

Thanks for posting your great poem. We've been hoping there would be some (or more) poetry posted on this forum and we both enjoyed your poem. It reads very well and your heartfelt connection with the Canyon comes through loud and clear. It's great to see that you've had this poem for about 5 years and found a really neat place to put it before the public.
We know others on this list will enjoy it as much as we did. THANKS!

J&S in RR

[nealz]

Your aching muscles, souvenirs, from passing through those depth of years. You make your way toward your abode, with memories of miles you've strode.

I especially like this verse. There've been plenty of days at work where I was mentally exhausted, but somehow the physical exhaustion that follows a great hike, like GC and elsewhere, is a great feeling and creates a memory that I can store away for later. Thanks.

-Nealz

[kajjer]

GREAT poem John!!!..... WOW!!!....I can realte to a lot of what you wrote.
May 11, 2001 was my first (and only so far) vist to the Grand Canyon.
Yes....something about the desert and especially the Grand Canyon has gotten into me too!!. I know that I will move to AZ sometime in the future.
I wrote a poem about my experience at the Grand Canyon. I hked 2/3 down, Indian Gardens and back, same day... will write it in next post
Thanks again John!!!

[kajjer]

Grand Canyon
I've seen it's awesome geographic features
Me, I am but a simple earth creature
Pictures and words just can't capture
The intial feeling of total enrapture.

The fresh scent of ponderosa pine
Sets the tone for a day that was fine
The eastern sunrise over the south rim
Seemed surreal but wasn't grim.

I feel at the point of hyperventalation
Just looking at this natural creation
Definitely God's presence is here
On the faces of others also it's clear.

An adrenaline rush much better than running
Or the feeling I get when I am sunning
Noticing and looking around I also see
Peole enjoying this the same as me.

Picture time I do feel a yearn
But just which way should I turn?
By me daughter and mother
They don't mind my bother.

Off to hike the Bright Angel Trail
Of hiking this must be the Holy Grail
Every sight a point of interest
Overload on this nature quest.

I came to the Grand Canyon
Alone and with no companion
But it's the people I met along the way
Who surely made for a superlative day!!!

Written 6-8-01 @ Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware(my fav. Beach)

[Diane Tuccillo]

I love to read and write poetry, and have written quite a bit, but I have never been able to capture the Canyon in words. Thanks for sharing your poems. I can see that special place through each and every line. Diane

[MaryPhyl]

mmmmm... thx MP:)