Monday, April 19, 2010

Nature . . . Hmm . . .

This week's PHOTO OF THE DAY theme really had me stumped. A nature girl, I'm not. I've always lived in cities and adore its many conveniences. I like to enjoy nature in pictures. Then, I can marvel at all of God's creations and only think beautiful thoughts. Real nature is seldom idyllic.

What to post . . . ? What to post . . . ? Ahhh! Of course! There is one aspect of nature that I am drawn to . . . water.

I was 21 years old when this photo was taken on my first visit to Niagara Falls. Somehow, I forgot to be suspicious of nature. The Falls really touched me. It might be a cliché, but I truly felt God's love in this spot. I know that some people experience that same feeling in other places, and when I saw the Mighty Niagara, I understood.
José María Heredia, Cuba's National Poet, one of the first romantic poets in the New World, wrote his Ode to Niagara in 1832. It is a beautiful, long, melancholic, long, instrospective poem that shows his love of nature . . . did I mention long? He reminds me so much of Percy Bysshe Shelley. His poem was my introduction to the Falls . . .

It truly is a lovely poem. I didn't quite like it at fifteen, when I first read it, but I re-read it as an adult and found it profoundly moving.

There's a plaque on the American side of the Falls honoring Heredia. He's called "The Sublime Singer of the Wonderous Greatness of Niagara Falls."
I strongly recommend a visit. Yes, there are lots of tourist traps nearby. Ignore them. Just stand on one of the many lookout points and listen to the water's roar. Feel the mist on your face . . .

Be still. There's tremendous power to be felt in this place . . .

8 comments:

KRISTIE said...

love the rainbow

Diana said...

OH that last shot is amazing!!!

Esther said...

The last shot....took my breath away! I can understand why you totally felt God's presence there. It's beautiful!

Suzy said...

Wow that rainbow and the shot of the waterfall's are gorgeous! I hope to visit one day and see/feel just what you've described here.

Reds said...

I saw the Canadian side of Niagara Falls a few times - it is one amazing place! Love that last shot!

Joanne said...

Love the rainbow!! We went to Niagara Falls several years ago. I did feel something powerful there. Loved these photos.

Angela2932 said...

Definitely gives the hint of the power of Nature and the presence of God!

Barb said...

How pretty you looked! There really is something special just being at Niagara Falls. And, the smell of freshness is what I remember the most.