Escanaba

© 2001 by Bud Lemire

 
Escanaba, Upper Michigan, the place where I grew into a man
It’s the home city of my birth, where I started my life’s plan
Looking back, memories of my past surface in my mind
Thoughts of all the good times, that I’ve left behind
 
Tobogganing down the hill, down at Ludington Park
Smelting with our fishing nets, at Wells in the dark
Fishing at Ford River, Bark River, The Yacht Harbor, and Sand Island
Sidewalk Day on Ludington street, and the marching of our City Band
 
Watching all the parades, as they came along
Birthdays with the family, as they sang the Birthday song
All the great teachers, I had as time went by
Washington Elementary, Junior and Senior High
 
Going to Camp Harstad, I sure remember it well
Walking along the shore, searching for a seashell
Climbing up Horseshoe hill in the train yards, or just flying a kite
Swimming at the beach, or the boats lit up on Venetian Night
 
Catching frogs in the pond near our beach, was a lot of fun
I let one loose in Mom’s bedroom, and his hopping days were done
Catching bumblebees, in the field near Junior High
Was some fun, for some childhood friends and I
 
Going on a bike ride, to Danforth and Soo Hill
And riding down the road, by the Mead Paper Mill
August is the time, you’d find me at the U.P. State Fair
Bumper cars, games, and cotton candy I would share
 
A picnic at Pioneer Trail Park, was always lots of fun
Spitting watermelon seeds for distance, but I never won
Looking through the photos, of our early years
Our laughter, our hard times, brings back many tears
 
Remembering Mrs.Jensen, in the basement of the Carnegie Library
Placing many books in our hands, that we could hardly carry
The penny candy we picked out, at the Hob Nob in a paper sack
The Wilbees were the owners, whenever we had a sweet tooth attack

Visiting the Lake View Cemetery, we children played among the dead
 Sometimes we’d stop among the graves, and some tears were shed
Oh Escanaba, Upper Michigan, I love you so
In the Yooper Heaven, of your winter’s snow
Who could ever forget, a trip down Memory Lane
I know that I won’t, for the memories still remain
And as my journey in life continues, where my mind will go
I’ll always remember Escanaba, for it had helped me grow
 
Escanaba, thank you for all the memories you gave me, and for all the beauty found within you