Cathedral Spiritual

Pink and grey walls rise like castle parapets
Reflecting the sunrise in golden hues
I ride along the canyon to the sound of leather
Creaking softly in the tranquil mountain air

Sweat and horse, with layers of dust
Well worn jeans against a speckled hide
Gently swaying in a unified rhythm
Languidly haze swirling about our feet

Around the bend we startle snow geese
Flocks floating, rising, settling serenely
Angling, landings against the lapping waters
Black tipped wings against wintry white

Sandhill cranes foraging for cutthroat trout
Reflecting blue beside the meandering creek
Majestically standing, patiently waiting
Blue dragon flies dancing within their reach

Off the beaten path we wander
Past yucca swaying in the breeze
O’er grama blue as sky beneath us
Cushioned carpet of pine and peat

Rock squirrels scurry across a Douglas fir
Scolding woodpeckers on a burnt oak tree
The chorus is merged by the hoot of an owl
And the clip clop against rocks as we proceed

Canopies of piñon line the trail
Mixtures of conifer shade the landscape
Grey blue greens with clusters of sienna
Cathedral spiritual within an ageless solitude
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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12
Springer Avatar
January 9, 2025 at 11:10 AM
One super poem by all criteria. You feel you are there.
Delaney Avatar
January 4, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Hi Lena: I felt I was on the ride with. A wonder filled landscape. Best way to see the world is through a horse’s ears. Nice to meet you. SuZ
Delaney-Barron Avatar
January 4, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Lena, your poetry is full of luscious descriptive language that accentuates the images you create. Beautifully written. It paints desert images of beauty. As a desert-lover I appreciate your detailed images you have painted in word.
Greenhough Avatar
January 4, 2025 at 1:31 PM
I love your poem. I can identify because I also live in the beautiful American desert. The spirit of the West permeates your words to resound like a prayer.
Nicholsen Avatar
August 8, 2024 at 11:50 AM
This is such a lovely write many blessings
Moribund Avatar
May 10, 2010 at 10:41 AM
Dear Lena: Great poem!!! Sounds like the type place I would like to see. Peace: Sheol
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
October 19, 2009 at 5:41 AM
Congratulations Lena, on your placement in the June 2009 Poetry Soup contest. God's gift to us, nature, is a beautiful cathedral. I particularly enjoyed this write because I once painted a woodland scene with tree branches arching like cathedral windows and called it "God's Cathedral." So, naturally, when I read your poem, I experienced an extra special bit of joy. Very nice writing. Lovingly, Dane Ann
George   Avatar
October 19, 2009 at 2:53 AM
Breath-takingly beautiful! Congratulations on your well deserved win, Lina. Love, Lainie
 Avatar
October 15, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Lena, congratulation on being one of the Poetry Soup contest winners. Way to go! I hope you are enjoying your wonderful honor. Keep on writing. Karen
Fraser Avatar
October 14, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Many congratulations in this 2009 contest, well done >> James
Brown Avatar
October 14, 2009 at 3:57 AM
Congratulations on your win in the June,2009 contest sponsored by PoetrySoup Lena. Love,Carol
Strand Avatar
October 14, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Congrats on your success Lene in PS contest.Rgds Brian & thanks for your welcome comments & kind words
Fish Avatar
October 13, 2009 at 10:15 PM
><>~ Congratulations on your poem. Great work and well deserved. Thanks for your kindness and am looking forward to reading more of your work. Catch you up the trail ~<><
Sheart Avatar
October 13, 2009 at 7:29 PM
Hi Lena Congrats on your winning poem in the finals! I'm so happy for you. Love Light Truth Patricia
 Avatar
September 26, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Just wanted to drop in and add to my other comment. Congratulations on making it through the first round in the contest. Good luck in the finals! Karen
Brown Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Congratulations on your poem making it through the first round.Wishing you the best in the finals Lena. Love, Carol
Devonshire Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Lena, Congratulations on getting through the first round of the poetry contest with your great verse! Luck and love, Carolyn
Babcock Avatar
July 11, 2009 at 8:33 AM
Congrats on your featured write. God Bless Phyl
Adeite Avatar
July 11, 2009 at 5:20 AM
Hey, I love your theme, thrust & tone.What a wonderful piece! You are such a great poet. Please keep writing & congratulations on your excellent piece being featured dis week. Great you Lena!
Moreno Avatar
July 10, 2009 at 12:02 AM
Lena, congrats on your feature...Raul
Fraser Avatar
July 6, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Congratulations on your featured poem>>James
Brown Avatar
July 6, 2009 at 6:59 AM
Congratulations on your featured poem this week Lena. May you have many more. Love, Carol
Tugaff Avatar
July 5, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Congratulations on your featured poetry this week. Great job. Ernilando
Eggins Avatar
July 5, 2009 at 7:25 PM
I got lost in your words not something that happens often .. wonderful write that spoke to my heart .. congrates on being featured this week you certainly deserved it with this piece I loved it .... Love Jayne
Esquire Avatar
May 7, 2009 at 11:32 PM
Dear Lena,What a beautiful horseback ride into nature Belated Congrats on This being Featured Welcome To the Soup Thank-YOU for YOUR Gracious Comments ALWAYS...HG
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