Seven Poetic Wonders of Yosemite National Park

There truly are no words to sum up the wonders of Yosemite National Park, but perhaps a poem can begin to express what is captured in the latest Centennial Poster, carefully hand crafted from the park itself:

Yosemite_poster
Click to view the poster in Hike & Draw, inspired by Yosemite’s wonders.

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_bird

A little black and blue bird sat upon my pack one day
As I rested my weary feet along the stony way
She said to me
Have you seen the seven wonders of Yosemite Valley?
I am only one of 262 varieties in this land
Now please, won’t you feed me from your hand?

I continued on the trail, wondering about the birds

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_elk

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_yosemite_prairie

A mule deer craned his head above the grass to look at me
As I tip toed through his home for a chance to see
He said quietly
Have you seen the seven wonders of Yosemite Valley?
I am only one of many ancient ones savoring this summer day
Now please, have you seen any mountain lions across the field?

I continued on the trail, wondering about the four legged ones too

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_valley

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_hiking

A great dome of stone rose above a sea of peaks further along
As I stood against my walking stick swaying to bird song
He called out to me
Have you seen the seven wonders of Yosemite Valley?
I am the only El Capitan rising from a time long gone
Now please, won’t you enter into the cathedral of my glory?

I continued on the trail, thinking of the sleeping giants beyond

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_dandelion

A dandelion flower sprung into my sight and stretched high
As I descended down the steep slope beneath a cerulean sky
She sang softly
Have you seen the seven wonders of Yosemite Valley?
I am only one of a thousands pesky weeds, or so they call me
Now please, will you make a wish and send me dancing on the wind?

I continued on the trail, wondering about the labyrinth of blossoming ones

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_merced_river

A mighty river burst before my view in a kaleidoscope of color
As I reached the bank and watched waves flow over each other
She beckoned to me
Have you seen the seven wonders of Yosemite Valley?
I am the Merced River, lifeblood for many who wander here
Now please, won’t you cool your feet in my waters?

I continued on the trail, wondering about the flowing waters

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_falls

A tremendous roar filled my ears beneath a sun shining hot
As I came to a place where from the mountains water shot
He called down to me
Have you seen the seven wonders of Yosemite Valley?
I am only one of countless turbulent rapids from the sky
Now please, won’t you stand a little closer and feel my breeze?

I continued on the trail, wondering about the gravity of things

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_forest

A tree sprang to life in a sea of his brethren later that day
As I leaned against his strong back and took in the green bay
He said to me
Have you seen the seven wonders of Yosemite Valley?
I am merely one of the many woody ones rooting my time here
Now please, won’t you continue on and let me freshen your way?

I continued on the trail, wondering about all the wonders
I still have to see

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_yosemite_river_tree_bird

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_yosemite_river_hiking_view

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_yosemite_river_rainbow

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_baby_bird

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_waterfall

seven_wonders_yosemite_national_park_yosemite_river_sunset

2 comments

  1. Love the poetry and the poster. I am in awe of your trip and greatly enjoy following along as I plot my own future of visiting all the parks – though probably not in quite the time span you are! Keep up the great work!

    1. Thank you Kevin! Appreciate your support very much, and safe travels as you continue discovering the parks too 🙂

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