Awe

June 18

I am thankful for awe. The word is used when you feel amazement and wonder, as well as a feeling of humbleness for the greatness that has inspired you. The dictionary says it is "an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred." That the definition of the word awe includes trepidation or fear, is interesting, but it makes sense. How could you look at something so awe inspiring as the grand canyon and not feel a bit of reverence and fear (I wouldn't want to fall over the edge of it).

This is a photo of the giant sequoias in the Mariposa Grove at Yosemite National Park. The size of them dwarfs the two trucks in the forground of the photo. Those are regular trucks, not toys, by the way. These trees are so large that they amaze and inspire.

awesome

you are awesome

a youth said one day

i looked at him and wondered

what could i say

as common as the rain

the use of awesome these days

so when you say awesome

is it a compliment you say?

awe should be reserved

for the most truly inspiring

the truly amazing

or the word should be retiring.

© rt tulley