Paintings of Eau Claire

I’m not inspired by paintings of Eau Claire,
Although it’s true Wisconsin interests me:
The lakes, the quick march to an inland sea,
The old progressive spirit in the air,
And love — like all love — beautiful and fair
As snow outside my window, drifting free
And soft, dispersing light, its subtlety
My downfall, almost more than I can bear.

Menomonie in winter claims my heart,
And paintings of Eau Claire miss what is best
In my Wisconsin. West, perhaps midwest,
Somewhere something is pulling me apart,
And holding me together. All my art
Pounds deeply and resounds here in my chest.