Beyond the Sea
by Michael Doyle

There are spaces under the painted sky
That are beautiful enough to make me sigh.
Stretching beyond the edges of the sea
Is a world of water in its own beauty.

Rivers, lakes, wetlands, and streams
Are all filled with a life full of dreams.
After a life filled with coastal praise,
I had thought I had seen my better days.

Moving inland to the Corn Belt,
I did so following what my married heart felt.
Though I felt my soul torn in its injury,
When I saw the seagulls, I regained my energy.

Certain that it was some sort of a sign,
It had started to rain at the Indiana state line.
It felt like 60 days of rain, gloom and dark
But as the sun lifted, I found it wasn't so stark.

Beneath Lake Michigan was the start of my journey.
I have traveled as it has led its way for me.
There is so much hidden life to explore each day,
Who knew that The Great Lakes would be this way?

Kayaking down the rivers of a once-inland sea
Has become purely magical for a surfer like me.
Finding remnants of what was once an inland reef
Has, itself, brought a great deal of relief.

Gassing up my SUV, I have found roads to explore,
And each of them has led to water and so much more.
Ruby Falls that flow there in Tennessee's underground,
And a million more paths all around.

I dream of a surfing surfari around the Great Lakes.
It will rival the coasts with surprises and mistakes.
Each stop along the way will bring its own pleasure.
This is how life leads to the discovery of new treasures.

(c) June 18, 2025   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved