Ode to the Largest Lakes of Maine

Moosehead, mother of Maine’s many lakes fed by Moose River’s flowing tears. Overlooked by Kineo’s cliffs, with Kennebec you share your gifts. Sebago Lake, your bowels deep with waters fresh, quench Portland’s thirst. Headwater for Presumpscot’s course which for many towns was a life source. Chesuncook Lake, you are the source of hydropower’s natural force and from your bounteous water store you serve when drought’s call demands more. Flagstaff, you are the burial place of towns along Dead River’s banks. You are fed by Dead River’s tears and in turn with her, your water shares. Spednic, your mesotrophic state spawns plants beneath your waters clear. Two nations claim you as their own and a joint commission controls your flow. Mooselookmeguntic Lake, your name has a sophisticated flare. Your scenic views and twin islands are featured in “Magic Thinks Big.” East Grand Lake, your clear, pristine waters, cause many types of fish to flourish, and like a fairy tale godmother you yield your fish, like gifts to anglers. Graham Lake, your waters produce power as it turns the giant turbines. Like the wind, men your force harness, to power their many machines. Like a mirage in a desert Umbagog sits in a wilderness. Her shallow waters, pristine and clean make her among Mains’s lakes a queen. Rangeley, your beauty captured me the first time I laid my eyes on thee. The charm of your eponymous town enfolded me like a goose-down gown. The sunsets over Rangeley Lake create such scenes of sheer delight. Your designated landing zone makes seaplane tours a prize you own. These Lakes of Maine, and six thousand more all assure you; they will not bore. The lakes of Maine, they beckon you and when you come, your heart they’ll woo.