If you’ll allow me this indulgence, I thought I’d share a piece of my poetry with you. It’s not something I expect to do regularly – but this one does relate to travel and one particular place that I loved visiting.
Coeur D’Alene isn’t likely to be on many tour itineraries. Hell, it’s unlikely Idaho will make it onto most people’s plans.
But I fell in love with the cute little lake town and the picturesque pine forests that clustered close to the edges of lakes and the simple natural beauty of the place. So, earlier this year in a bout of nostalgia, I wrote this little tribute to Coeur D’Alene.
I’d love your thoughts.
Coeur D’Alene
On the shores of proud Lake Coeur D’Alene,
Hayden, Avondale,
and Pend Oreille
I fell for you, dear Coeur D’Alene
on a bright September day.
‘Midst mountains cloistered all in pine
the Hiawatha did I ride
nerves affray, calves afire
I conquered you with pride.
Through Saint Paul’s pass
Where all was dark
I saw your bright light shine
Did I win your heart, dear Coeur D’Alene,
as you surely did win mine?
On foggy morns I ran your roads
’till my lungs were filled with chill
At dockside as the moon rode high
On sweet Huckleberry ate my fill.
I kissed beneath your star strewn sky
howled my love up to the moon.
Sang merry tune or mournful dirge
with the osprey, coot, and loon.
And when finally I did leave you
I knew I’d never be the same
for having loved in Idaho.
Seen you, sweet Coeur D’Alene.
