The Wildebeeste on the Thornapple

The Thornapple flows through Alaska,
Michigan. There are rapids in the park

off 68th St. On Sundays the heathen
(of which I am content to be one)

ride innertubes to the dam
under the bridge

there in the southeast corner
of County Kent.

My brothers cross it betimes
on their way to Saskatoon to play golf.

Golf is not the game for me,
one who seeks

more elemental play.
Smallmouth bass lurk beneath that bridge.

And I will have one, maybe two
on a fine Michigan autumn afternoon.

And I will be master, of not only the fishes
but of all I see and feel.