ode to west lansing

the forested trail
dips between franklin and walker
a meditative breath before 
rounding the corner home 
after downtown days

the addington loop
reconstructed ravine offering 
respite alongside the bubbling don
plank walkways guiding us 
through snow-melt mud

the golf course in winter
chests under layers expanding outwards 
as the expanse opens before us
wind whipping through the hidden fairways
cheeks glowing in the gloried open air

the cameron school field
grass fighting an un-winnable battle 
against stampeding elementary elephants
a dozen spring fairs with blow-ups and glow-ups
muddy slide tackles on rain-soaked wednesdays
counting cross-country laps against the fence
ultimate birthday parties celebrating sis
and one too many perilous 
rounds of grounders

the majestic magnolias in spring
blooming beauty for a fleeting few days
neighbourhood walks transformed to treasure 
hunts stumbling upon unexpected awe

the sanctity of stuart ave’s backyard rink
stressing about mother nature’s 
madness outweighed
by babble of blades
thud of puck against wooden board
tag-induced giggles of a gaggle of girls

harkenings held in my mind’s eye
this was 
our place

Written by Scott Moore
Illustrated by Landon Wideman

Inspired Feb 2026