Why Leelanau Blog
Janice Sue or Ode to the Fishing Boat — Dennis Whalen, Allen Park, MI
Picture credit: Keith Burnham, Leland (see the Leland Report)
Ode to the Fishing Boat
When I was a young boy,
I met a girl,
along a nameless green canal.
The churning oil streaked water was lined with sand worn wooden planks and shacks.
Next to giant spools of drying grayed netting, I watched her in the water.
Her features were less then flattering.
She was awkward and her makeup was peeling.
But to me she was beautiful and she was forever.
I would stand next to her,
and watch the salmon flop down the man-made ladder falls,
while families walked by with their bounty of Carlson’s smoked fish and Leland candy.
Every year I would have to say goodbye,
but I swore I would be back, always.
And every year,
I return to the green canal next to the fishery,
and the first thing I look for is her.
She is always there; Lashed to a dock, bobbing up and down.
Empty of the morning catch, she rests.
– Dennis Whalen, Allen Park, MI
Ode to the Janice Sue is an excellent tribute to Carlson’s Old Fishing boat. We are proud to be related to her current Captain Allen. We too love the reunions with M-22, Leland, Fishtown, the Cove and Carlson’s!!