earth note 190

muskallonge lake, upper peninsula, michigan

south shore of kitchegumi (lake superior)
just a pebble's throw from here
through pine maple poplar
thick green line
intimidated
but hanging in there
standing
against the logging trucks
though it seems like everything else
and everyone else
in the past forty-three years
has moved on
that being the first time
i passed these parts
leaving the empty roadside pasty shops
to fade and close with the seasons
all on their own
while the great lake
so cold and steady
as it's always been
passes on its blue life
     gift
     unconditionally

--- e b bortz

(published in earth notes and other poems, Least Bittern Books, 2015)