When flying over the Hoover Dam,
you get a bird's eye view;
over 720 feet in height!
Believe me, 'cause it's true.
Lake Mead, that's where the Dam is built,
the largest in US laid,
is over 110 miles long!
One of many, it's man-made!
Containing the Colorado's flow,
in 1931,
on what they then called Boulder Dam,
construction was begun.
They built the Boulder City there
to give the workers board.
All prostitution, alcohol
and gambling was outlawed.
One hundred, fourteen workers died
but thousands did survive
the hardships, to complete the Dam
in 1935.
A guided tour of the mighty Dam
is well worthwhile, for sure.
One gets to walk at the bottom,
1240 feet long and more!
If you’re lucky enough to be there and
an overflow valve test see,
they're probably never really used,
except in emergency.
Vehicles crossing at the top of the Dam,
give an idea of it's scale!
This wonderful immensity,
is not a fairy tale.
Petratani
08/22/07
Author notes
I was spellbound by the enormity and structure of the Hoover Dam and the history surrounding the building of it. Enjoy!
A contest entry
- Only For Members of Hugh Wyles Favourites Group #19 by huguenauties.
750 points, ended August 30, 2007, 12 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 20 of 20
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Hoover Dam is indeed an awesome sight, just as is Lake Mead, the lake created as a result. I think it's even more awesome when seen from the ground. You've written a very good piece about it
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Thank you for commenting on my poetry. Much appreciated. I'm happy you got to visit and enjoy this marvellous icon.
Hugs and love,
Petratani
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SO VIVID
you are such a rounded traveller petra...you take my breath away sometimes..you make me feel as though i am there
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Dear Peter,
I have been to many places in my life but have found my home in Los Angeles, California. However, I may be moving back to Orange County which is 48 miles south, on the way to lovely San Diego. As long as I am in Southern California, I will be happy!
Love and hugs,
Petratani
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This may be the biggest dam in the world, a real testament to American vision and ability. Isn't it a producer of clean electricity, as well as a means of flood control? I've seen this dam in several movies in the last few years, notably The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford, and several other adventure films.
I enjoyed reading your poem, best of luck!
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Dear Margaret,
You answered your own question very well. Thank you so much for reading my poem.
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Cool, I learned a few things. I like when that happens painlessly.
First cars go over it? I'd love to take that ride. Second: 114 people died working on that dam? That's actually quite tragic. Third: Boulder City came about because of the building of the dam...that's a lot of workers.
I'd like to visit it some day...just to see its enormity.
Just one flaw...it needs to be Moxie orange.
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Dear Sir Ima
Brother dear, you are so funny. I love your comment, it is great, as always. Maybe I'll write to them and ask them to paint the Dam a lovely Moxie orange! Of course, when they know it is your request, I am sure the deed will be done. LOL! Take care and God bless you.
Hugs and love,
Your loving sister,
Petratani xo
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Dear Petratani,
The Hoover Dam is very impressive.
Your poem is very informative and a pleasure to read. Thank you for sharing this Icon with us.
Jen
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Dear Jen
I am happy you find my poem informative and a pleasure to read. God bless you and keep you well.
P.S. My eldest daughter just returned, after a month's stay with her father, in Liverpool, NSW. I am encouraging her to go "home" every year. Her father's mother is 95 years old and still as fit as a fiddle but who knows!
Hugs and love,
Petratani
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Dear Petra,
A great story about the Hoover dam, how hard the worker's must have worked to build the dam in such a precarious place, so many died in the making of it.
Very well written dear Petra, hope you feel well.
Love Hine
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Dear Hine
Thank you for your lovely comment. I enjoyed writing this poem, although it wasn't easy to find all the information. I had some help in that area. God bless you and Heath.
Love and hugs,
Petratani
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Dear Petra, A very impressive poem about the Hoover dam.
That would've been a massive task to build the dam. I remember before the terrorist attacks visiting Warragamba dam and walking over the top of it, and I loved walking on the suspension bridge.
Well written dear Niece.
Thankyou for entering our group contest and good luck in the voting.
Love Aunty Joan
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Dearest Aunty Joan
Thank you for your support, I sincerely appreciate it. This was a challenge but after a lot of research, I had fun writing the poem, I also learnt alot about this awesome icon. God bless you and all my love.
Kia ora e arohanui toni
Your loving niece,
Petra xo
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Awesome!
You really caught my interest with this one. I think you did a great job conveying the awe and enormity of this construction. A lot of detail in your write as well. The history is fascinating. I am not surprised you used the word "spellbound" in your author's notes as you certainly made me feel it. Well done my sister. Hope you are well. Jadon
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Dearest Jadon
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment. It inspires me to write more. I am doing quite well, considering. Wishing you all the best, and God bless you dear brother.
Kia ora arohanui toni
Your loving sister,
Petratani xo
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Dear Petra,
I really enjoyed your poem about Hoover Dam. I had considered writing about it because my husband and I visited the dam on a trip out west many years ago. I was impressed with its size and remember hearing the 'hum' of electricity. It was quite an experience!
Best of Luck in the contest!
Love and hugs,
Maureen
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Dear Maureen
It is great to hear from you, thank you for your lovely comment. I was very intrigued with the Hoover Dam and enjoyed write it. Take care dear friend and God bless you.
You are always in my prayers.
Hugs and love,
Petratani xo
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Dear Patratani,
What a coincidence that only yesterday I watched a documentary on the History Channel about the building of the Boulder/Hoover Dam and the creation of Boulder City to replace the initial 'city of tents' and properly house hundreds of thousand workers and families during the Dam's construction.
Fancy! Boulder City is the only city in Nevada where gambling is still prohibited! (I don't know about the other two things mentioned! LOL)
The incredible hardships endured by those who built the dam, disease, sumnmer heat, winter cold, not to mention the backbreaking nature of the work and the dangers involved are legendary as is the history of the dispute over naming of the dam itself.
Your poem gives a graphic description of a mighty icon which is a testament to man's ingenuity and to those who lost their lives and those who carried out this enormous project.
Applausde, good luck in the voting and, as ever,
Love and hugs, XXX Hugh (R.)
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Dear Uncle Hugh
Your comment is awesome. It is just as informative as my poem in many ways. My love to you and Edna. Keep well and God bless you.
Hugs and love,
Your loving niece,
Petratani xo
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