I live in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The three states that make up this corner of our country are Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. These three states are very mountainess, and in comparison to the eastern part of our country, the Pacific Northwest mountains are tall, young, and rugged. Hundreds of beautiful, wild waterfalls can be found throughout the region. This is a land of waterfalls. Shown here are three famous examples.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon
in this amazing gorge
gazing upon this magnificent waterfall
cut by time and current
into the great rock of the earth
I marvel at the power
at the beauty
at the determination
of the relentless river
sculpting this majestic work
tumbling timelessly
in crystal clarity
over boulders and falls
ever onward
Snoqualmie Falls, Washington
Shoshone Falls, Idaho
rob kistner © 2019
DAY 5
I would love to live close to a waterfall there is such might in the falling water.
I love visiting the waterfalls around here. It is magically overwhelming to stand near them. You can physically feel their power, hear their roar, and bask in their mists. The ozone they create is intoicating. They are hypnotic Björn…!
🙂
I didn’t know about the ozone Rob. We have several in the UP but have never been near any of them. Time to take a road trip. Those falls you have there are stupendous!
When you get in tight to the larger waterfall’s mist, the feeling is not unlike after a rain. And waterfalls, of varying size and beauty, are everywhere arond here.
I’ve seen the Multnomah, but not the other two. I once took the boat ride that goes near the base of the Niagara Falls. It was like touching the hand of God! Hypnotic is a good word.
I love waterfalls Bev! I have done the MAID OF THE MIST boatride at Niagra as well – wonderful! The Shoshone Falls in Idaho are referred to as the Niagra of the west, though not a wide, but as high.
Smile, your preface could have served as my own, since I chose the mountains as my Muse. Living a decade in S. CA, I missed the Northwest daily; would drive up to Big Bear to see evergreens and breath the air.
We moved out here 30 years ago from Ohio. I will never go back Glenn, I don’t even go back to visit any more.
Crystal clarity is right 🙂 such a stunning rendition, Rob!
Thank you Sanaa! 🙂
Seeing those majestic waterfalls is sheer delight Rob. You are lucky that you can marvel them. (The Niagara Falls beats everyone, smiles).
The only problem with Niagra Grace, is that it has become commercialized. The three pictured in my post are essentially still preserved pristine waterfalls.
Ooh, thanks for sharing the pictures of these waterfalls, Rob!
I love how you capture the power and the geographic marvel of the waterfalls — this bit says it all: “tumbling timelessly/in crystal clarity”. How lovely to stay in a region where you can visit such beautiful places! I am far off from the mountains — the most beautiful waterfall I visited was the Seven Sisters Waterfall in the state of Sikkim but it was so crowded.
You are welcome Anmol. Thank you for the kind words! I love living in this region of the world. Mountains, waterfalls, ocean, high desert, canyons and gorges, ocean cliffs, mountain lakes and streams, glaciers – all available to reach with shirt day trips! 🙂
We have such bounty here – it is a true gift. You’ve captured it well. Never underestimate the power of water.
Thank you! 🙂 Water is the true bringer and giver of life on this planet Nora. Nothing grows or lives without water. We humans can live much longer without food, than we can without water. Without water earth would just be a rock hurtling through space.
Wow, those waterfalls. They are quite literally awesome. Your poem is a gasp of wonder.
So very kind Sarah, thank you! Love my waterfalls!!! 🙂
I love the sense of awe in this poem, Rob, and the alliteration in ‘tumbling timelessly’ and ‘crystal clarity’ provides a lovely soundbite!
Thank you Kim, very gracious of you! 🙂
You captures the power and beauty of these waterfalls. How wonderful to be able to see them!
I liked the alliteration (and description) in these lines:
“tumbling timelessly
in crystal clarity”
Thank you Merill. I love where I have lived since 1989. I am blessed. My wife encouraged us to move here when a career opportunity presented itself to me. She graduated from University of Idaho in 1982, and loved the Pacific Northwest, as I now do as well! She is 16 years my junior and her youthful enthusiasm drew me to move out here from Midwest. One of top decisions in my life, plus I got to be part of the George Lucas creative team. 🙂
Rob, a simply lovely write. How blessed you are to live near a waterfall!
Thsnk you Linda, it is very cool!
Waterfalls are magical but also awe-inspiring.
Yes Kerfe, indeed they are. Being near them you can feel their energy at your core!
I like the thought of tumbling in crystal clarity.
That was always my impression of the beutiful clean clear mountain waters in this region Frank. It’s why the Pacific Northwest feels SO vitally alive to me.
Majestic words for majestic sights.
Thank you Ken!