Poetry of Crystal Lake

This page contains poems that reflect love for Crystal Lake…

An Ode to Crystal Lake

Oh what is so sad as a day in September!
With the skies weeping tears on the campfire's last ember.
The Yacht Club is closed -- the pier piled on the beach,
All equipment -- stowed out of reach.
The "C" boats are gone -- and the Wood-Pussies, too
And all that is left is our Crystal Lake view.

No races -- no guns -- no bright flying flags!
No watches -- no warm-up -- no last minute flags!
No cheers from the crowds as the sailors come in
No hot cup of "jo" to warm up within!

The fast boats that followed the Wood-Pussies 'round
Are safe in their cradles -- high up from the ground.
The wee little dinghy that took us ashore
Now saucily sits by our back kitchen door!
The lads and the lassies that sailed the blue seas --
Are now struggling for grades that they hope will be "B's."

Oh what is so sad as a day in September!
The Yacht Club is closed -- but we love to remember
The wonderful times -- and the fun that was had
By all of the sailors -- plus Mother and Dad!

Charlotte & Grant Brown, 1947

The Sun Has Set…

The sun has set and o’er the quiet lake
His light still lingers, reluctant to depart.
The darkening hills draw close, and over all
Peace reigns, but discontent still fills my heart.

But as I stand alone upon the shore
Peace also comes to me — I seem to hear
A voice amid the murmur of the waves
Saying: "Be still and know that God is near.”

And so, O lovely lake, you gave to me
A message straight from God. And I still take
That message with me as I wander far
And hope once more to see you, Crystal Lake.

Walter P. Case, 1895—1923

Walter F. Case was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Case. He was a veteran of World War I and died at the American Legion Hospital at Camp Custer, in the spring of 1923. This short poem was found among his papers after his death and was probably written sometime during the months he was a patient in the hospital where he died. (As published in The Ridge 1907-1979, which is found at this link.)