Lake Nebagamon, U.S.A.
Just being seated, this beehive Friday evening,
On the Lawn Beach Inn's wraparound deck,
In full view of the water yet alive, at 8:00 p.m.,
With skiers, pontooners, kids swimming at the public beach,
The Stars and Stripes hanging slack, from its flagpole,
On the hill sloping behind the red-log auditorium
(This tiny town's cultural lodestone), to the lake,
Distills, in me, feelings of belonging to a dream of becoming,
Coming home to a community I may never leave.
It's infinitely reassuring, knowing I'll be a welcome spectator
During tomorrow's diverse schedule of events:
The "Dragin' Tail Run/Walk," at 9:00 a.m.,
Sponsored by the Lake Nebagamon Volunteer Firefighters;
The 4:00 p.m. parade, of floats, walking groups, and vehicles,
Through the town's two main streets;
The Lake Property Association watercraft parade,
Lining up at Honeymoon Point, at 7:00,
And proceeding past the beach and municipal boat landing;
And then the street dance, with music by Phoenix Rising,
Starting at 8:00, running till midnight,
Sponsored by Bridge's Indianhead Tavern and Waterfront Bar & Grill,
During which, at 9:00, Miss Nebagamon will be crowned;
Followed by the pièce de résistance, a fireworks display,
Courtesy of the Lions Club and local businesses,
To begin, promptly, at 10:00, after sun's prolonged setting —
Guaranteed to be even more "ooh"-and-"aah" dazzling
Than all of the past shows combined.
Suddenly, at 9:15, time discovers me,
Finds me entranced, enchanted, beguiled
By the promise of tomorrow's tribute to freedom and democracy.
Having lost myself, in the published roster of events,
I gaze up and see, for the first time,
A tumescent moon rising in the still-light sky,
Shining over the soul of Lake Nebagamon,
On the eve of the nation's 234th July Fourth,
And realize that all majestic America is right here, right now.
07/03/09 - (3)
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