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Northern Paradise
by
Scott Rucinski
Nestled amid wondrous deep lucid lakes, canvassed by sapphire blue sky,
lies a paradise on earth virtually unscathed by human touch. This glorious and peaceful sanctuary is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a million, if not further, miles away from all concern and strain. Michigan is renowned for clear deep cerulean lakes and even more famous for serene and pristine shorelines. Beyond compare are the stones that literally wash up on the beaches, polished by time and nurtured by the unrelenting rush of water that sustains their breathtaking hues. A walk along Lake Superior serves as an epiphany for all who would dare challenge its humbling stature; I saunter along with eyes fixated on the myriad of picturesque scenes worthy of an artist's stroke. The billowing white clouds, the absent horizon, the virgin sparkling sand, only touched by God, all conspire to tempt, never to depart.
As dusk descends upon the landscape, I become immersed among the chorus of the unseen; the apprehension and the exhilaration further heighten senses already aroused by folklore. Loved ones gather around a bordered stone campfire amid the background of soothing breaking waves, while symphonic melodies emanate from the waft driven trees. Engrossed in conversation, unnoticed, creeps the rising tide nearing the bastion of tents craftily erected amid
colossal corpses of once majestic birch trees.
Battered by the elements, these mere hollows now stand guard over the beaches like stone sentinels, offering all, refuge, solitude and protection. The fire subsides and the retreat to respective drab cloth dwellings begins, only the most ardent admirers of nature dare proceed on watch.
A sentry of night, I stand guard catching glimpses of bears wading in the shallows stalking their victims, ready to pounce at first sight; uneasiness ensues as thoughts of this massive hunter turning an eye towards our tent fortress engulf me. Moonlit shadows dance, as the night time heavens reveal a true northern treasure. Like a map to distant places, the stars and northern lights beam upon my face. Darkness unlike ever witnessed before serves to vivify and illuminate my soul; distant worlds never imagined are now within my reach. Appearing as if stars embrace in Superior waters, the horizon ceases to be beyond reach. This "midsummer night's dream" is upon me. Breezes race amid the towering birches, disturbing their firm but delicate balance, complaints echo, as if being called to subdue their circumstance. Nary a time has the universe called my name, beckoning me to places of far greater calling than ever perceived; I am alive!
First light approaches as the glorious morning sun peeks up from beyond the eternal horizon. Waking at my post, the warmth of daylight serves as a stark reminder of the promise of a new day. Unimaginable is a thought without gratitude for the gift I have received; however, I am emboldened by the knowledge that this new day will be my greatest gift yet. After all, this is paradise in the Upper Peninsula.
Copyright (c) 2002 by Scott Rucinski
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