(circa ̶ early 1970s)
Every morning, right before the break of day,
I arise, and weather permitting, with guitar,
I walk across the bridge that goes over rail tracks,
And go down rugged Jolly Cut near Murray Hill.
I gaze around to find a preferred place to play,
Away from the chilled, gentle mist — but not too far.
At Victoria Park, I search spots to relax —
Seeing the mighty Falls, I feel a glowing thrill.
Then I begin to compose poetry and song . . .
Often, I linger, absorbed in contemplation.
And with creativity — where my thoughts just flow —
There’s loud roaring of the water and sea gulls’ calls.
At one with this grand wondrous scene where I belong,
Elated with each poetic meditation,
As each twilight rushes — with rapid come and go —
I live sunrise in dawns at Niagara Falls.
AI ChatGPT – generated Illustrations about “Dawns at Niagara Falls” — January 2026
Source: Glenn Bridenbaker, 2026
This poem was an entrant in the Niagara Falls Poetry Project 25th Anniversary Poetry Competition. It will be published with all the other entrants in a print anthology to be published by Phylum Press. To reserve a copy of the anthology please email aporteus@niagarapoetry.ca. A companion volume exploring the poetry over 6 centuries will also soon be available, and may be reserved ahead of time.
Glenn Bridenbaker is happily married to beautiful and wise muse wife Cheryl since 1967. Two brilliant sons, a gorgeous daughter. Two glorious granddaughters, an excellent grandson. Ontario residences: Toronto, Manitoulin Island, Wikwemikong Unceded Indigenous Reserve, Niagara Falls, and Ridgeway. Bibliophile. Musician. Nonprofessional writer. Amateur oil and watercolor painting. Novice Oriental Brush Painting. Art collector. Musical instruments and recorded music collector. Numismatist and philatelist. Dog and cat owner. Home vegetable, flower, and landscape gardener. Birdwatcher. Astronomy and space aficionado. Meaningful values include: know thyself, family, health, common sense, truth, logic, integrity, sharing, creativity, curiosity, quality, arts appreciation, and humor. Two years graduate student of Marshall McLuhan at the Centre for Culture and Technology.