Light Seen in Colors
For most of my life, I lived within ten miles of one of the most magnificent bodies of water known to man. Its combination of splendor and power never ceases to amaze me, though I’ve visited it hundreds of times. I see it far less often since moving away eight years ago, but seeing it this month for the first time in nearly a year was no different. From the rush and fury of the rapids above the falls to the roar of the water as it tumbles beyond the crest to the gorge below, the Niagara River at Niagara Falls once again took my breath away.
chilly mist
light seen in colors
sailing gulls
This haibun is my response to Haibun Monday: Being But Human,
from Kim at dVerse ~ Poets Pub, with the prompt to write a haibun
inspired by a moment “in nature that left you with a sense of wonder or awe.”
Image: Niagara Falls – 10 November 2020
(click image for larger view in new tab)
I have always wanted to see the Falls in person, ever since seeing Marilyn Monroe in NIAGARA. But old age, ill health and the pandemic have compromised my wishes, so I love your sharing; it will have to suffice.
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Thanks, Glenn. It’s an awesome sight on any day.
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A perfect haiku to close your reflections on this amazing place. I visited only once, about a decade (more?) ago & probably would have loved it more than I did (a LOT!) if I hadn’t experienced a minor heart attack the day before we left…
Haibun mastery, this.
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Thank you, Ron. I think the falls are near the top of my list of most frequent poems.
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Someday … someday I WILL get to Niagra Falls!! Gorgeous photo here
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Thank you. You’ll love it.
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this is as close as i will get at the moment to this wonderful spectacle. thank you.
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Thaks for coming along!
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The Falls are wondrous, but the roaring rage of the river leading up to the Falls was one of the most riveting sights I’ve ever seen. I agree with your every word!
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Thank you, Beverly. The park has numerous inspiring vantage points, as does the Canadian side of the river.
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Fantastic photo capturing the rainbow in it. Stellar haibun to accompany. Glad you got a chance to see this natural wonder on your visit.
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Thank you, Lisa. It was a good rainbow day. The bridge in the distance is named Rainbow Bridge.
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More gulls! I can understand your awe at such power and majesty.
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Thank you, Jane. Standing by the falls long enough always provides a view of gulls soaring over the brink.

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That is a tremendous photo!
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I’ve been to Niagara twice, ‘light seen in colors’ captures it! Well done.
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Thank you. It’s certainly inspiring.
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Thank you for bringing the Niagara Falls to me this Tuesday morning, Ken. It’s a place I have only seen in photographs or films, and I will never get the chance to visit. I can’t imagine loving near it. I love your description of ‘the rush and fury of the rapids above the falls’ and ‘the roar of the water as it tumbles beyond the crest to the gorge below’, and what a cracker of a haiku – the second one I’ve read with gulls today!
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Thanks, Kim. Watching the birds is almost as entertaining as the cataracts themselves.
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Your words and photos give us a taste of its beauty. (K)
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Thanks, Kerfe. I think any poet would be inspired. In fact, anyone might be inspired to be a poet.
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More poetic words would be welcome. This makes me realize again how little our present leaders seem to appreciate the natural beauty of the earth. One of their many blind spots.
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What a magnificent sight: I don’t think I would ever get tired of seeing it, either. In fact, I would settle for just seeing it once in my life!
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You would never forget it!
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Well, that leaves me with a sense of awe too.
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Thank you. 🙂
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🙂
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I have visited Niagara Falls once, an unforgettable experience. I enjoyed your haibun and the reminder of the Falls’ majesty.
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Thank you, Helen. It’s certainly an unforgettable sight.
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It must be an amazing sight! Wonderful haiku, Ken.
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Thank you, Merril. 🙂
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I think that sometimes we need a break to really notice how magnificent the water can be…
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It’s a most refreshing sight.
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Well there is no denying how utterly gorgeous Niagara Falls is 😀 I would love to visit one day. 💝
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You would be inspired, Sanaa.
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