AUGUST ON LAKE MICHIGAN
August is Lake Michigan’s way
of clearing boats from her bays
and bonfires from her beaches,
the month when cottage owners
give up the idea of staining the deck
and call local painters who promise
to look at the job after Labor Day –
a comfortable, necessary fiction
understood by painter and owner alike.
“How much longer ‘ya up here?”
is the talk at August gatherings,
while glum shopkeepers
post signs proclaiming
END OF SEASON SALE!
and lower prices to full retail.
August’s big waves and wind
chase off all but the fortunate few
and now the lake can rest.
Now she gathers her strength
to face November’s roar.
I published this poem here last year during August, but it bears repeating. I have always loved August on Lake Michigan, whether it was riding big waves with best friends in Grand Haven or, as an adult, savoring the last days of summer at the cottage in Good Hart. My mother loved August on the Big Lake, too; August and summer-ripe tomatoes. God Bless us all. (If you have spent time in Lake Michigan resort towns, I hope you got a chuckle out of the lines about local tradespeople and shopkeepers.)
Subscribe to be notified of new posts by email; it’s free.
Leave a comment so I know you were here,
and please share this blog with a friend.
(Email may be delivered to a spam or social media folder.)
A New Poem Every Monday
(tho’ sometimes life gets in the way)
Joseph Neely, all rights reserved
The Occasional Poem 
Good morning!
My kids are taking their week “on” the Big Lake this week. My daughter feels the spirit of her dad there and sees him in the “green spot” of her pictures. I know he is smiling that she has carved out this time to be there.
Our good friends also have a place, 3rd house up the dune just south of Grand Haven. It’s a seasonal place, so they are likely feeling the thoughts of your poem.
LikeLike
Great images and lines in the poem–clearing the beaches, giving up on staining the deck, lowering prices to full retail, and gathering her strength–each rings true.
LikeLike
You’ve beautifully captured a lovely time of year!
LikeLiked by 1 person