Willamette

 Before you read any further, say it aloud: "Wi-LA-mut"

The name is apparently either Clackamas or Kalapuya in origin, and one possible meaning is "Where the river ripples and runs fast." This river has been my companion in many contemplative hours.

Looking west across the river: Steel Bridge to the right, the north end of Waterfront Park across the way with downtown beyond. I'm standing on the Esplanade, at the top of the stairs leading down to the Steel Bridge's lower deck and pedestrian/bicycle crossing.

Looking south from the same spot: Burnside Bridge in the middle distance. Stormy day.

The Tilikum Bridge seen from the east end near OMSI. Public transit, bike, and pedestrian only.

To me this bridge represents so much of what we aspired our city to be. At the same time, how far we've fallen. I don't see funding for a project like this being available again any time soon.

Visiting Tilikum reminds me... three lines of my poetry are engraved in sidewalk blocks alongside the Orange Line light rail that passes over this bridge. One is at this stop: "electric lines charged full of souls."

Looking south from Tilikum. Ross Island Bridge, Ross Island, and the Willamette.