I’ve seen a lot of great views in my life.  Some of them have occurred since I’ve retired while savoring  the sunset of my life.  A few of them were just over a week ago.  It’s hard to top a sunset from the Eiffel Tower, or standing high atop the city of LePecq overlooking Paris. Richard the Lionheart had a great view of the Seine River, from his Castle perch that we climbed to witness as part of that trip.  Even the view of the French countryside from the bow of our river boat made dinner that much more special.

We had spectacular views of the ocean from our Maui excursion that was just a month ago. The ocean walkways in Wailea and Black Rock in Lahaina both afforded memorable Pacific Ocean views.  The view from our catamaran of the whales dancing in the water was a highlight of that trip.  Plus, our dinner at Gannon’s had a wonderful view of the golf course being watered by mother nature.

I’ve seen views from hot air balloons, helicopters, mountain tops, and observation decks in Seattle’s Space Needle and New York City’s skyscrapers.  One of these towering views has changed dramatically as a result of 9/11. There’s been baseball views from the nose bleed seats of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and Wrigley Field of a World Series win.  I’ve also enjoyed an aerial view of the Daytona 500 race and a football view of the Seahawks.

Every day in Portland there’s a view to be preserved in the mind.  Mount Hood, Mount St. Helen’s, the Columbia River Gorge, the Tram, Pittock Mansion, the Japanese Gardens, the bridges, and the coast.  We’re lucky to live here, even if the rain does spoil the view at times.

There’s many more views that I hope to see in life, but here’s one I will remember forever:

You and the View

It’s so beautiful where I sit,
You and the view.
Though the scenery is nice,
It’s likely just you.
.
The beach so appealing,
The water clear and blue.
But the truth of the matter,
I can’t see past you.
.
The background’s a blur,
Since you are in front.
And the vista diminished,
Since it’s you that I want.
.
Wherever we go,
You are the view.
It could be spectacular,
But I can’t see past you.
.
When I look in your eyes,
I see paradise.
For anything better,
I look at you twice.
.
“Don’t miss the view,”
“Whatever you do.”
Amazing, I’m sure,
Since I am with you.
.
I wake every morning,
With you at my side.
My eyes may be tired,
But you open them wide.

.

I’ve traveled the world,
Awed from thin air.
But I may not have noticed,
If you had been there.
.
So stay with me always,
Since my eyes love you.
Ever since I first saw you,
I love your view.
.

Copyright 2010 johnstonwrites.com