Dear Michigan, Lake Michigan
look out to see
(although, it is a lake)
it is huge and deep
wide and broad
and beautiful.
The man stares out
as the sun goes down
it disappears completely
but the waves and clouds
are still there
and then the moon appears.
She bathes in the moonlight
and the man stands up
as they dance together
and then, tomorrow
she’s gone, and he sits again;
Dear Michigan, come back… please.
~~~~~~~~~
Image credit: Tom Barrett of artwork; sculpture by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa
For the visually challenged reader, this image shows a sculpture of a man, made by welding alphabets together. The sculpture is located at Atwater Park, overlooking the lake. In the distance, you can see the sun setting over the water and a cloudy sky.
Written in response to Sadje‘s What Do You See #247 photo prompt.

Great poem! My grandfather grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan. I’ve never been there but I’m always amazed at how big it is when I see pictures of it.
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It’s a huge lake isn’t it! I only really realised when I looked up Wikipedia… wow!
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Yes! And there are all kinds of shipwrecks at the bottom of it too! 😱
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Gosh, yes – that would be a great story, wouldn’t it🤔
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What a beautiful poem Chris. The imagery you’ve created is magical. Thanks for joining in.
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Aww, thanks so much, Sadje. Great choice on the prompt.😉
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Thank you so much 😊
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Loved this one.
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Thank you, Sonali.
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You’re most welcome ♥
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I love the imagery of the moon and the man dancing …. 💞
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I couldn’t resist that! Thanks so much, Suzanne.💛
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You are welcome 💞
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This is beautiful Chris …it’s almost like a native Indian tale 💜💜
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Now there’s a thought… 🤔 Thanks so much, Willow💛
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That’s how it reads to me Chris 💜💜
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Wow, Chris. I love that. I would never have thought to write about/to the lake, rather than the statue itself, but you looked THROUGH the statue and went in a different direction altogether… Just wonderful.
~David
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Aww, thank you so much, David💛 – I often use a curve ball😉
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Beautiful! It’s awesome that you made the lake a subject of your poem.
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Thanks so much, Reena!
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Lovely take Chris
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Thank you, Di!💛
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You’re welcome
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I love the imagery and the mystery of sorts, Chris.
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Thanks so much, Maria.💛
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A unique and beautiful idea, Chris. Very well done.
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Aww, thanks so much, Nancy.
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Most welcome, Chris.
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I love this, Chris! Fantastic. ❤️
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Thanks so much, Punam!💛
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My pleasure. 😊
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Your piece reminded me of a movie “The Goodbye Girl” – I think that had a happier ending though…
I’ve been to Port Washington, Wisconson twice – a little town right on the edge of Lake Michigan… and I can picture your story nicely. 🙂 I actually found a very old fossil in the sand on the North beach. Even though I was there in the summer… the lake water was too cold for me to swim in!
Sadje used the Rainbow pic for a prompt. I went looking for it…but I can’t find it – my photos aren’t very well orgainized.
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What a wonderful place isn’t it, not that I’ve been there (of course – I’m in another continent). But what fun you had, especially the fossil.😊
Glad that you found the Rainbow pic (and thank you!). I seem to remember doing a poem as well (I think). Also can’t find it.😂
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Any rainbow is a good rainbow 🙂
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🌈😊
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Hi Chris, this is a wonderful poem. I have never visited North America.
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Thank you, Robbie. I haven’t been to the USA either – so many different places, and we know many people don’t we… but where to we start?!😊
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I don’t know if I’ll ever go to North America. I do like to visit Europe though.
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Well, Europe is easier – just go straight up (and back)!✈️
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Yes, without any jetlag.
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Sounds like a wonderful place Chris. I can find out myself. Lake Michigan is only 12 hours away from me.
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Gosh, is it as far as that for you? What a huge place it is in the US – I didn’t realise until just now – looking in a globe🌎😉
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Yes. Google distance of New Jersey to Lake Michigan. Its not that far….
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You must be missing the lake. Your description of it is beautiful.
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Aww, thank you, Kritika!😊
(sorry, just found you in that naughty spam place)
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My pleasure 🙂
(hearts)
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A delightful take, Chris. I’ve not seen much of the USA, but I have seen Lake Michigan!
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That’s good, Keith. Did you go ALL around the HUGE lake?
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Beautiful poem and imagery, Chris! 😍💐🍰
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Aww, thanks so much, Susan – and cake again! 😊🍰🥰
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There’s always cake for you 🥰🍰
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Most lovely, Chris. Delightful read. Thanks.
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Thanks so much, Selma.
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Beautiful take Chris…Loved it. 👏👏👏
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Thanks so much, Goutam!
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[…] Chris; Dear lake […]
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Wonderful pairing of photo and verses! 😊
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Thanks very much!
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Such elegant verse, Chris, and a magical narrative.
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Thanks so much, Nicole.
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