Jeri Albertini of Bellevue writes that she “was lucky enough to be able to cross the ‘Bridge over the Ravine’ a few days before the Bellevue Botanical Garden’s official celebration. For months I had peered through the metal fence – curious and amazed at the beautiful structure rising up in the dense forest. One day a news reporter beckoned me over and asked if I would stand on the bridge while he took a picture for the paper.” She wrote a poem about her “ravine experience” and hopes it will inspire people “to venture into the forest to see this tranquil, breathtaking work of art – planted right in the midst of our busy, noisy city.”

My ravine experience

By Jeri Albertini

When I proclaimed my wonder as I crossed the deep ravine,

Folks probably remembered the great bridges they have seen.

“Perhaps she doesn’t travel much – just doesn’t get around.

For there are bridges everywhere – amazing and renowned!”

Well, the Bridge of Aspiration is a bit too far away,

And the Hussaini Bridge in Pakistan looks wobbly and will sway.

There’s a Railroad Bridge in Scotland that I would like to see,

And in Big Sur the Bixby Bridge looks “riveting” to me.

If ever I’m in Denmark, Istanbul or Mackinaw, I’ll want to see their bridges – each one grand – I’ll be in awe.

I have walked across the Sundial Bridge in Redding – it’s not far;

Crossed the Verrazano, Brooklyn, Coronado in a car.

But I prefer a certain bridge – away from cars and noise.

This “Work of Art” appears amidst a forest – with such poise.

My proclamation still remains – it’s wonderful, for sure;

Far beyond what I’d imagined:

Bellevue’s stunning “Bridge du Jour.”