OUR CURRENTLY FEATURED POEM
MICHIGAN
"Look about you," says the motto
Of the finest of the states,
A peninsula most pleasant
With a wealth of wonder waits,
With a hist'ry like no other,
Having flown four nations' flags.
If you look, you'll have no question
Why a native sort of brags.
"Look about you" for a farmland
That's as fertile as can be,
Where the beets and beans and cherries
Bring a very handsome fee.
See the factories and forests.
See the coal and copper mines.
See them peopled for the progress
That their industry designs.
"Look about you!" See the beauty
Of eleven thousand lakes.
See the shrines of higher learning
And the paths a tourist takes.
If you seek a state of grandeur
That the Lord has multi-blessed,
"Look about you" with assurance
That you see the very best.
Margaret Rorke (1915-2000) wrote poetry that was regularly published on the editorial pages of The Saginaw News (2,824 different poems in all). From 1975 through 1990, approximately 400 of her poems were featured in Judd Arnett’s column in The Detroit Free Press, and her poetry appeared in countless other settings throughout her lifetime.
The digital edition of her 4,000 published poems as well as her three books of poetry have recently been added to the Library of Congress's collection of American poetry.
This website was made in an effort to share Margaret Rorke’s poems with the world. Please read, enjoy, and most of all - share with your loved ones.
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3 THINGS TO DO WITH A POEM YOU LOVE
Send it to a Loved One
Download or print any poem from this website and email or send it to friends or family members. It will brighten their day!
Hang it Up in Your Home
Hang up a poem that inspires you somewhere in your home where you’ll see it often, and it will bring you joy every day!
Read it to Your Children
Many of Margaret’s poems tickle the funny poem, and your children are sure to enjoy them. Make them a bedtime read!
Are you looking for a poem on a particular topic?
Margaret Rorke published over 4,000 poems in her lifetime. If you are looking for a poem on a particular topic, please fill out the form here, and her daughter, Peg, and son, Bob, will be in touch with what they can find.