Archive 07/03/09 - (3)

   

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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