Machu Pichu

A staff is more than handhold, its worn
to the grasp, trust in what fell down from above.

The llama's sure foothold fits like our staffs
in the rocks climbing upward to the top to the sky.

We risk the blaze of sun, for the wide wings of condor
soaring, spiraling, hunting for a meal, never assured

except for his hold on the sky, flight, supreme
over the rocks and tumbles and worn out straw

of season of cold passing into days of warmth.
The spindle clatter, the roil and curve of weft needle

a prayer to on high, like the spirals of rock to the sky
the sun speaking to us at feet, these are complete

to the rest and remain of our escape to safety
in the cradle of our summer retreat, waiting for stars

to fall among us, waiting for stars to carry us away
from homes built within a circle of spires, three spires

to bring the ley lines of power into our grasp, to offer
escape from the dust and dung we live in, amazed.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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B. Avatar
April 27, 2018 at 8:53 AM
Wonderful creativity Sheri!! I can relate to your lovely poem.. I have visited Machu Picchu several years ago, it was beyond breathtaking... One of the seven wonders of the world.. I stayed in the charming city of Cusco.." A very special destination for me".. Congratulations!! All the best to you!!
Marcum Wong Avatar
November 18, 2017 at 10:46 PM
What an amazing wonderful write Sheri! I would really love to visit there one day but my knees just can't climb anymore. Your poem is insightful and beautiful! : )
Watkins Avatar
January 18, 2014 at 11:37 PM
I love all the layers in this poem and how tiny threads run through them all. Very nicely done.
Harper Avatar
January 19, 2014 at 4:03 PM
Thanks so much Gary, Machu Pichu is very picturesque
Austin Avatar
April 28, 2013 at 7:10 AM
Hi, Sheri. Glad to get acquainted. I see you are a person of imagination, or did you actually scale the heights? I'm old now, but in the past I've been wild about such places - read everything on Atlantis I could find. Your piece is mysterious and romantic. Love it. daver
Dietrich Avatar
April 28, 2013 at 12:51 AM
wow, I can see you really DO love Machu picchu and are able to write about it in more detail than I did. Were you able to see it in person? that would be so awesome. Congrats for the win I see you got. Well deserved.
A   Avatar
April 26, 2013 at 9:31 PM
Hi Sheri, thank you for the wonderful poem and stunning imagery in my "7 wonders of the world contest." CONGRATULATIONS!!! Thanks for the support. Take Care & Good Night ;-) ~LINDA
Martin Avatar
April 26, 2013 at 8:33 PM
You are an excellent writer, I'm really impressed by your very sophisticated and passionate descriptions. Congratulations, one of my favorites for sure.
A  Avatar
April 26, 2013 at 8:19 PM
Sheri, congrats with your 7 wonder poem <3 LUV ~*~SKAT
Jones Avatar
April 26, 2013 at 12:59 PM
Beautiful ..congratulations
May Avatar
April 26, 2013 at 11:46 AM
congrats on a fine win Sheri
Oyewole Avatar
April 26, 2013 at 11:39 AM
Congrats on your win Sheri~A.O
Phillips Avatar
April 19, 2013 at 9:08 PM
Hi Sheri, Your writing is full of symbols and imagery...this is a very beautiful poem and I like it very much.As a matter of fact it is professionally written.
Horne Avatar
April 19, 2013 at 2:11 PM
awesome write, my friend. congrats to you : )
Johnson Avatar
April 18, 2013 at 4:06 PM
God bless you on your journey far into a world some how bizzare. Where others lived so long ago. A history we have come to know. White knuckles and some shaking knees. An aspiration to appease. Enjoyed going on your journey with you Sheri. Peace. :)
May Avatar
April 18, 2013 at 9:26 AM
very nice write Sheri...best wishes...
Kendrick Avatar
April 18, 2013 at 7:14 AM
Enjoyed reading your contest entry..Reads like winning material to me..Thanks for stopping by my work..Your reviews were uplifting..Sara
Dietrich Avatar
April 18, 2013 at 1:07 AM
GREAT job with your wonder write! This is one place I sure hope to see one day. Luv, Andrea
A  Avatar
April 12, 2013 at 12:04 PM
a wonderful poem ~*~SKAT
Goller Avatar
April 9, 2013 at 1:02 PM
that's a beautiful expressed story poem, I enjoyed reading it,God bless you. Hugs!Erich
Kapoor Avatar
April 8, 2013 at 9:22 PM
You have beautifully sketched the scenic beauty of the Himalayan heights with paint of hardship and difficulties which prevails for the Lamas as well the creatures that live here and soar high on such lofty heights to find something to survive. Amazingly beautiful Poem Harper. I have one of my Poems on Tibet and hope you would like to read it 'Take me away but I promise to sing a Song'. Love and best wishes..Ravindra
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