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.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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