Sun kissed soil,
farmers till the land
vast fertile hills,
where fruit trees stand.
The Willamette Valley
of golden grain
reeks of mint,
in Oregon's rain.
Volcanos slumber,
deep in sleep
the Cascade Mountains,
of craggy peaks.
Snow covered runs
the white of winter,
where skiers sweep,
through powder snow
to Oregon's feet.
Douglas fir,
green forest deep,
mighty Spruce
over mountains steep.
Unending raw lumber,
a zillion board feet,
a renewable resource,
could Oregon reap.
High arid desert,
beaten by rains,
scrubbed by the wind,
with alkali stains.
Home of the Nez Per'ce
Chief Joseph reigns,
teeming with Antelope,
eastern Oregon's plains.
Columbia Gorge,
wind scoured walls,
towering monuments,
Multnomah Falls.
Salmon paradise,
windsurfers sprawl
over the winding river
Oregon's north halls.
Emerald Jewel,
of many hues,
gold in summer,
skies of blue,
the white of winter,
green emeralds true.
A gem that beckons
My Oregon, to you.
© 2000 Calista Cates-Santurf
All Rights Reserved
