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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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