You greet me with
the fresh scent of
pine bark and soil
Like the smell of air before rain
Your guardians stand
majestic and grand, some
over a thousand years
I am a guest in your home
Gray squirrels scurry
across fallen branches,
dark-eyed juncos sing
Sweet melodies reminding
me again my visitor status
This is not my home
A message reinforced
in my tired body with
each continuing step
How foolish to consider
only the humans who first
encountered your wonder
Now, I imagine a black bear
lumbering through your
gates, groggy from hibernation
A yellow warbler finding
rest in your treetops
following a long migration
A swallowtail sipping
sustenance in a meadow
of springtime flowers
Thank you seems insufficient
Today, it is all
my heart can manage
Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park
Wow, great imagery! I saw each creature in my mind.
Isn’t Yosemite gorgeous??
Love your photos, too. Makes me wish I were there right now.
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Thank you, Dianne! It’s so amazing! We had one day in Yosemite and one day in Sequoia. Headed home…
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I’m in tears by the BEAUTY of your words and STUNNING photos, precious Kelley! I love this SO MUCH. Yosemite is on my bucket list, as all the places you are visiting. And your poem? One of my favorites, sweet friend. Sending so much love and appreciation for you! 🫶🏻🫶🏻❤️🍂🍁🥾
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Thank you, Karla! I’ve got a lot to process from only two days! So thankful to have witnessed these places! Sending love and hugs! 🩷🙏
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