Ah, the month of July. It is upon me and we are exploring the world around us as much as we can. We have been away and I mean AWAY! We went to West Virginia for a family reunion/camping vacation. However, it was not the best time to visit the devastated state. Even without power however, she was a beautiful place. But a little recovery from the experience was in order, so we went to our favorite spot to camp in Michigan…Ludington State Park. This is one of the most wonderful and relaxing places I know. My little family and I visit each year (for three years now) and as soon as I see Lake Michigan I am immediately calmed…it’s like being set free. I did not realize how much I would miss blogging and not miss blogging all at the same time. I found a little spot of internet access today, parked and posted. This poem, as I wrote it, as I felt it and as I peacefully walked the dune to take the photo below reminded me how much I love my state of Michigan. It is unlike any other place I know and how lucky I am to live here.
For anyone who lives in Michigan, I also thought of the Pure Michigan ads that run on our TV’s and radios chuckling a little. If only I could get Tim Allen to do an audio of my poem!
Stunning and showing off the star she is…the sun.
Lake Michigan
A blinding glare
paints squints and smiles.
The sunlit waves
and sand for miles.
Estates of Dukes and Yorks abound.
Then washed away,
the sun goes down.
Orange and pink
strokes of bliss.
Soothing sprays
of happiness.
Beauty stares into my eyes.
My toes sink in,
my paradise.
I am hoping to chalk this poem somewhere on some pavement while I am here (yes, I brought chalk, of course)! If I do, I will share a photo.
Remember, the next Chalk-A-Bration is July 31st, I hope you can make it.
Enjoy your time away! I, too, thought of Tim Allen, but I think it's even funnier that you LIVE in Michigan and you here the michigan.org ads?!? I thought we just heard them here in Illinois! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem . . . beautiful view . . . beautiful imagery.
oops . . . not here, but HEAR!
ReplyDeleteI don't know the ads at all! But love your poem, Betsy-nice rhythm. I like that second verse a lot! And the photo-wow-it's gorgeous! Enjoy all the minutes!
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about Michigan, but I just finished a novel (South of Superior by Ellen Airgood) that made me want to visit. I love the lines "Orange and pink
ReplyDeleteStrokes of bliss," a lovely description of the sunset.
What beautiful images you created with words. I didn't even need to picture!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful poem about a beautiful place. I'm envious of you right now...I spent many times on the beach in Ludington with my family as a child! Your poem brought back some nice memories for me...even without Tim's voice reading it (although that would be pretty cool)!
ReplyDeleteWe should all love our homes as much as you do. (I do!) This is a beautiful tribute!
ReplyDeleteLake Michigan in the summer! Or the fall, or the winter!! Love it! I've always liked the ads. Especially when they made our Chicago living son homesick!
ReplyDeleteI like the connection to those ads that you made. Lovely. Every time I watch one I want to hop in my car and drive northwest to MI.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, gorgeous poem. You sure painted a vivid picture with your words.