Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Taking the Waters at Soap Lake



Sunshine leaves
echoes of light
bouncing off 
healing water
cupped between
pentagon stacks
of baked basalt
lining hot
canyon walls
where table top
mesas remember
 silhouette reliefs
of the ancient ones 
who came
for healing -

taking the water
before we did. 



Locals ask if you're taking the water. This means soaking in it for health reasons, not drinking it.

Soap Lake has an ancient history we don't know much about and a more recent history.

Native Americans called it Smokiam, which means "healing waters" and Let-to-to-weints, which is said to mean "healing water springs." 


Be sure to stay at The Inn at Soap Lake. The grounds are lovely.