Ode to Door County

You opened your heart for me on a Friday evening after I worked in Green Bay. My friend who lived near Milwaukee said you were the best place to be in Wisconsin, the forests and tourist shops that lay between the bay and Lake Michigan. I glanced to my right and knew the lake was there the endless waters and sky but as I was driving to Sturgeon Bay I looked to the clouds I was calling out to you to take me on a greater journey somewhere beyond the stars. As I turned to go downtown a bow of a ship appeared the frame yet to take shape. I remembered my younger days spent along the shores of The Great Lakes. Patrons at a tourist bar near the shipyard as the jukebox played proclaimed your sons and daughters built the iron vessels with their study hands— it was a way of life to them. The bartender said explorers and sailors died in your waters as I finished my drink. Streetlights twinkled as I said goodnight to you and my tires sang as I drove. When I turned off the radio I heard a whisper the sound of your voice calling me back.