Leaving Loveland

Weaving up the narrow Thompson Canyon

Meandering unhurried traffic, under thin slice of sky

River alongside the road reflects the sun

Steep lichened granite walls cut with shadows.

           Flowing unhurried traffic, under thin slice of sky.

           Why do hills and mountains bring strength?

           Steep lichened rock walls cut by shadows

           Quick glimpses of bird and deer among tall pines.

Why do the hills and mountains bring strength?

Fishermen among river rock cast glistening lines toward trout

Quick glimpses of bird and chipmunks among tall pines

Canyon coves of cabins, cottages, campgrounds.

            Fisherman among river rock cast glistening lines toward trout

            Pullouts with small crowds, cameras pointed at mountain sheep

            Canyon coves of cabins, cottages, campgrounds

            Invitations to stop for cherry cider, jerky, or to watch river rapids.

Pullouts with small crowds, cameras pointed at mountain sheep

Names on cabins retreats like “Linger Longer”, “Paradise”, “Stay-a-While”

Invitations to stop for cherry pie, jerky, and to watch river rapids

Last curve opens to expansive sky, white-topped mountains, mirrored by Estes Lake.

            Names of cabin retreats like “Linger Longer”, Paradise”, “Stay-a-While”

            River alongside the road reflects the sun

            Final curve opens to immense sky, panorama of snow-covered Rockies, lake mirroring it all

            Leaving the narrow Thompson Canyon.  

Lori Nunnally, April 22, 2019

#liveloveland is celebrating Loveland Poetry Month this April by sharing words written by local poets! A new Loveland Poet Laureate program has been established, and Veronica Patterson is both its namesake and its first laureate. Go #liveloveland this month by reading some local poetry! Tell us about what you’re reading by tagging us with #liveloveland #poetry on social media.