Lake o’ th’ Woods

Along the border you lie serene,
Enthroned with fourteen thousand isles;
Skirting your shores are forests green
Stretching away for many miles.
Within your trackless waters deep
The muskies and the sturgeon glide;
As up and down upon your surf
The merry pleasure seekers ride.
You buoy the graceful birch canoe
That bravely breasts the wave;
While old and young along your beach
So carefree, love to love.
The deer and moose come down to drink
Your limpid waters just at dawn;
Of noble gifts, it makes one think
When first is seen the spotted fawn.
How many years have come and gone
Since cradled in your lair
And still your duty’s well performed,
You know naught of Despair.
Tho’ locked in winter’s cold embrace
As frosts their mystic changes bring;
You’ll break your seal, we know full-well
And re-awaken with the spring.
For ‘neath the sheet your pulse still throbs
To prove your actions are not spent;
Just lapsed into deserved repose,
Just cloistering in your bed, content.
And round your isles – – your wondrous isles
Your water never stems;
They compensate you as guardian
By studding you like precious game
And when upon the bridge I watch
The Rapid glisten in the sun,
I know it will obey your call
Till Faith, till Hope, till Love is done!
Strive not for power or pelf.
While we, poor fools, drift from our God
By thinking most of Self.
You’re bound to thrill us every one,
As canopied in azure hue
Your waters northward seek the sea,
‘Mong gaudy verdure bathed in dew.
Here Mother Nature’s at her best,
Here none can feel a bit forlorn,
A spot so rare where one can rest.
And sweetly pass a summer morn.
Lake o’ th’ Woods – – we you salute!
Enthroned with fourteen thousand isles!
You have no peer! You reign supreme!
Your glorious vast expanse beguiles.