Sonatas XII

Pieces of the Present Abide - The Life of the Place (Life)

Words by Khaetidawne and Brendan Quirk

These photographs are perhaps somewhat evocative of life in our Place. Schools, yards, museums, streets, whatever happens to capture the eye and the heart of the viewer and the inhabitant. Not all subjects are grand, but each scene has the potential to draw you in.

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The Limestone School with its cupola on top Is now a museum where tourists may stop To learn of Mayville, Dodge County, and more - There’s a period classroom, and memories and mysteries are stored.	Here a fine collection to show how life was before The old fire house, tobacco house, barber shop and more. Once a year we all have strawberries and ice cream galore - Old cars come to be ridden in, gaped at, and adored!
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The “New Red Brick High School” as it was called By the first students who graced its halls. The snow here beckons us and so we are led To remember “after school” when we would sled.	An old school house framed by trees and rocks along the garden path It was moved to this place before World War Two’s wrath. It was made into a home where families could abide I wonder how many school treasures were left inside?
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This is the fine door where the students would enter Beveled glass above the door, stained glass in the center. How fancy and pleasant the grand entryway The word “School” at the top; what else would it say?	This was once the main highway and a busy railroad line Families and vacationers travelled these ways dressed so fine. Now it just looks humble and almost deserted, folks say - But the summer crops still ride to market on these tracks today.
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The other side of the old tracks, once a passenger and a freight line The site of the old station was here: the passengers looked so divine! Imagine the ladies in hats and gloves, waving their beautiful fans No longer a passenger line; just freight, milk, livestock, and vegetables in cans.	Solomon Juneau’s old homestead - he cofounded Milwaukee you know - He settled in Dodge County, where he founded Theresa and watched it grow. Juneau, Wisconsin, is named for his son; his cousin founded Alaska’s Juneau Many of the places he founded or loved bear family names; rightly so.
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Notice the yard – a Wisconsin man’s dream A John Deere cutting grass or moving hay. The Wisconsinites find outdoor life “The Scene” Where all of them sport, party, and play. At the grill you can always smell brats roasting here Imagine playing cornhole - all you need is the beer!	Boat houses line a small waterway, as in Louisiana you might say Wisconsinites do enjoy boating and water-sport play - Children swim or float and paddle their boats here Men troll for Friday Fish Frys – and good local beer!
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This old passenger station with a freight yard behind - Though people no longer travel on this railroad line. Grain and freight keep the station and railroad alive Like the “City of New Orleans” the trains here still thrive.	Oh! To have been here to watch this tree fall Bending over the roof of the old barn’s wall. This brave tree was determined to stay alive Though calloused and bent, the mighty tree thrives. Its people did not take the old tree away - They neglected the barn and let the tree stay!
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Beside the old tree and barn sits this 80s truck Languishing quietly, fading, and down on its luck. Unused for years – waiting, with its rust it abides Signifying neglect oft ignored in the countryside.	This fine home – now museum where volunteers thrive Built around 1860 it keeps history alive. The local historians will give you a tour If you let them, the docents will tell you stories and more.
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Fanciful windmill in a garden attracts People who admire the sweet old birdbath. Inside rock-lined borders green onions, and overgrown grass; Though seemingly ignored - still enjoyed by the those who pass.	Glowing in sunlight, green and yellow leaves show How this shrub reaches to greet passersby as they go.