What Are the Finger Lakes? A Poem

What are the Finger Lakes?

It’s time for one man’s take

I’ve spent some time around those parts

And I like to pretend I’m a man of the arts

 

They are eleven lakes in New York state

Like the fingers of a hand they radiate

Each separated by a little gap

It’ll make more sense when you look at this map

 

Formed by glacial activity years ago

We’re talking Ice Age just so you know

Then the climate warmed and glaciers retreated

Leaving beautiful lakes where ice was deleted

 

Throw in gorges and rolling hills

It’s picturesque, both for video and stills

Add some waterfalls and grand state parks

And the landscapes are worthy of great remark

 

But thankfully these parts are a bit unknown

Downstaters choose other spots to act all shown

Though they do send up their wasted cash

By adding to landfills with piles of trash

 

Anyway, back to the matter at hand

That was a pun you should understand

These lakes have been through a whole lot

Here’s a quick summary of their witnessed plot

 

Native Americans first cared for the land

Back before Europeans came up with their plan

In fact, many of the lakes have Native names

Preserving history despite the land claims

 

The 19th century was a time of great change

The Underground Railroad found a home on this range

It was also the birthplace of women’s rights

Home to great people willing to fight the fight

 

Somewhere nearby Mormonism was born

Joseph Smith had visions among all the corn

Even if you view religion as somewhat foreign

You’ll love the musical The Book of Mormon

 

But what are the Finger Lakes like now

Beyond the occasional dairy cow?

It’s a mix of cute little towns

Some high-end and others further down

 

You never know what you’re going to get

Those preconceived notions are not always met

Don’t fall for the rural stereotype trap

Because around the corner you might hear some rap

 

On the other hand there is the buggy and horse

Thanks to a large Amish population, of course

And there are boatloads of Donald Trump signs

As home of a NASCAR race I guess it all aligns

 

There are a ton of wineries all around

World-class Riesling can easily be found

Breweries seem to pop up almost every day

And the farm-fresh food—I mean what can I say?

 

Don’t forget about all the great schools

They’re a magnet for some intellectual jewels

In Ithaca is a little place called Cornell

The same town gave us a song you might know well

 

It’s an outdoor playground

Boaters and bikers abound

And if you’re into straightforward hiking

The scene will be to your liking

 

Not too far is a place called Corning

Though travel there should come with a warning

It’s just that they’re a bit obsessed with glass

And show off their glassblowing of the highest class

 

Conesus, Canadice, and Canandaigua

Hemlock, Honeoye, and Cayuga

Keuka, Seneca, and Owasco

Finally, Skaneateles and Otisco

 

Eleven lakes that drain to Lake Ontario

Sandwiched by two cities and lake-effect snow

They’re honestly worthy of more recognition

Well, minus the handful of New York state prisons

 

If nothing else they give us water to drink

That’s somewhat important if you take a moment to think

And when you go ahead and add in the rest

The Finger Lakes—c’mon now, they’re the best

 

Finger Lakes map courtesy Michael J