Glorious California!

Breathtaking coastlines, towering pines,

Hills and valleys with grapes on vines

From which we produce our exquisite wines…

Glorious California!

 

Majestic forests, volcanic peaks,

Beachside towns with their quaint boutiques,

Silicon Valley and its techno-geeks…

Glorious California!

 

Golden hills with their sprawling oaks,

Expansive fields of artichokes…

There's magic that your name invokes.

Glorious California!

 

Miles and miles of fine desert sand,

Sometimes a language we don't understand,

But that helps to make this state so grand…

Glorious California!

 

Poppy-lined roads, gardens and flowers,

Varied landscapes as you drive for hours,

Yosemite's grandeur after spring showers…

Glorious California!

 

I have been elsewhere

And seen wondrous places--

Mountainous regions

And vast open spaces.

But when I'm away,

I find that I yearn

For home and can't wait

Until I return.

 

Though crowded at times and in traffic we wait,

No place is perfect; still you're first-rate.

So much beauty in this golden state!

Glorious California!

 

Some say your taxes are far too high,

Affordable housing's in short supply,

But I plan to stay here until I die.

Glorious California!

 

-by Bob B (11-29-21)

Reviews

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

As a Californian I approve this message. Every word is absolutely correct in defining the beauty of this state. At times I feel we are spoiled here because of the year round nice weather we have. But as you drive through the land it is utterly remarkable the myriad colors you come upon along with the scents. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

[Bob B]

Wow, Carlos. I didn’t know you were a Californian, too. Cool! We moved here from the Midwest when I was three, but I have spent the rest of my life here.

[Annie]

Lovely poem, Bob! Good imagery, rhyming, rhythm. I'm a Californian, so that adds to my enjoyment. A terrific portrait of our beautiful state.

[Bob B]

I know that all states have their beauty, but California has been my home since I was three, and I am sure that it will always be home to me.

[Chris Shaw]

I have never visited California and that is my loss Bob. You describe its finest points here and it all sounds rather wonderful. Fabulous imagery and the repetition at the end of each stanza works well. I particularly enjoyed your weighing up exercise. There are always things to improve on but we should contour blessings furcwgat we have. All the best.

Chris

[Bob B]

Climate change has not been very nice to California, but it is still a great place.