The Volcanoes of Haleakala

Up above the clouds, and looking down,

the Volcanoes of Haleakala,

round and brown,

 look like a landscape from

before all time began,

an ancient mystery

as yet unknown   
to man.

The indentations atop volcanos,
each to each,

primordial footsteps

just within 
a giant's reach,

or, perhaps,

a cosmic being
reaching down
a wondering hand,

musingly

doodling
concentric circles

in the sand.

I have never

stood so high above

the clouds,
the mountaintops
still hidden
that they enshroud.

The morning sunrise

bathes 

celestial glow

on a world

more beautiful

than ever did I know.

Haleakala,

oh, never did I dream

such mystery,

so mystical

you seem.

I will climb the path

and feast my eyes one day

on that timeless land

where giants

used to play, 

stride all the slopes
and circles,
dwell upon

the dark, when fire comes,

then I'll be gone -

but I'll tiptoe back

to see you

in the dawn

The first six photos were taken by my cousin Lindsay Knitter and her fiance Richard ~
those following were found on google, from random sources

The final shot was taken at dawn,10,000 feet above Maui, with Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea in the distance

This is for Ella's final prompt at Poets United's Wonder Wednesday: we are to find the 8th wonder of the world and write about it. This is my pick. Though truly, this earth is so shatteringly lovely, almost anywhere on the planet could qualify.

Ellie, thank you A TON for your hard work and all of the wonderful prompts you have provided for our enjoyment at Poets United. I look forward to reading many more of your poems, and to seeing the wonderful art you will create in the months ahead :)