Pike's Peak in Winter seen from the Garden of the Gods
Pike's Peak is one of Colorado's "Fourteeners" (Over 14000 ft elevation) and is part of what is called the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. It's the first thing you see when approaching Colorado from the East, and has become a cherished and famous National Landmark.
In 1893, Katherine Lee Bates, a teacher at Wellesley College came to Colorado to teach at a summer school. While here she made an expedition to the top of Pike's Peak where she was awed by the grandeur of the scene and the majesty of the mountain. Then and there she was inspired to write the original verses of "America the Beautiful" and I, in my own little way, have written the following poem. (Not quite as famous I'm afraid).
MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN
It greets me each and every morning.
I stand in wonder at the sight.
I glance its way a dozen times a day,
And give it one last look at night.
On cloudy winter days it tries to hide its face,
Like a child playing hide and seek.
But in the summer sun it has much more fun,
And shows its lofty, noble peak.
From its top you can see down to New Mexico,
And the Plains are a sight-seer's treat.
The view is breathtaking, yes, and inspiring,
As the world is displayed at your feet.
It's there all night and day like a sentinel,
Guarding all of us down below.
And we'll never get lost as long as we live;
Just one look tells us which way to go.
All the world knows of our famous Peak.
Thousands visit from far and wide.
And we who in its shadow live,
Walk tall and smile with righteous pride.
It's a symbol of strength and permanence,
And I really can't tell you why,
But I get a feeling of peace and contentment,
When I see it ever reaching for the sky.
There's no doubt my life would be just the same,
If it didn't exist at all.
But to see it standing there so majestically,
Makes me feel not quite so small.