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The Great Lake

Poetry Inspired by Duluth, Minnesota

By Amanda StarksPublished 4 months ago Updated 4 months ago 1 min read
"To the Great Lake", Photo by Amanda Starkes, Edited with CanvaPro

How deep do your currents lie

and how many stories can they tell?

What have they seen

beneath your deep blue surface?

So clear as to be ice;

so cold as to be glass,

and yet too deep to see the bottom

where your secrets sleep.

Can you tell me of glaciers past,

of time frozen beneath the permafrost,

of the life that slumbers there still?

Can you show me the remnants of their passing,

the sparkling crystals along your shore,

the glowing sunset under a black light?

Can you point to the bunches of wild grain -

that sustaining growth -

so fragile and essential

to those who lived at your side?

Can you spin the tale of the many sailors

passing by in their ships,

and of the many treacherous storms

that brought them low?

Tell me, oh great endless blue,

how deep do your currents lie?

In the hissing of the waves

I can hear you whisper still:

deeper than they know.

_______________________

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About the Creator

Amanda Starks

Fantasy writer, poet, and hopefully soon-to-be novelist who wants to create safe spaces to talk about mental health. Subscribe to my free newsletter at www.amandastarks.com for updates!

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Comments (2)

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  • Paul Stewart4 months ago

    Aw, Amanda my friend, this is stunning. I've never been to the States let alone any of the The Lakes, but you paint such a vivid picture that makes me feel what it might be like to be close to such a mysterious and beautiful, natural place. Like Stephanie said, so much beauty, yet, as is the case with open waters, that lurking potential danger is there! Awesome poem, Amanda!

  • Stephanie Hoogstad4 months ago

    Another beautiful piece, Amanda. I especially enjoyed the lines, “Can you show me the remnants of their passing, the sparkling crystals along your shore, the glowing sunset under a black light?” There’s such a calmness and tranquility to this poem yet also a hidden danger, like the storms that dragged the ships down. Great job.

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