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.