Michigan lore…stories older than the state itself. Some were meant to explain our existence, some to serve a cautionary tale to those that come after us. The Coddiwomplist is please to present the retelling of those tales by storyteller, E. A. Miller. So, find a comfy spot, grab a beverage and enjoy a story that can only be told in his unique fashion!
E. A. Miller is from Southern Michigan where he still resides with his wife. He enjoys spending time with his adult children and his grandchildren. When he is not weaving tales for our enjoyment, Mr. Miller loves the great outdoors and all it offers. E. A. Miller has been writing since he was a teenager.
Introduction by Iva Johnson
Sleeping Bear Dunes is a popular destination with Michiganders and visitors alike and it is located along the Lake Michigan shoreline. As with many natural wonders within Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Dunes have their own lore attached to them that helps explain to us how these wonders came about. Lores are meant to touch us and this one is no different.
Here is a short story by Mr. Miller sharing that lore with you.
October 2023
The smell of smoke filled her nose while she ran. Aside, behind and in front of her, the animals of the woods fled. A great fire had overtaken their home. Together, the animals fled through the forests of the land we now call Wisconsin. With her cubs close behind, Mishe Mokwa ran east while the sun began its descent behind them. The boiling of the sap inside them caused the pines she had climbed her entire life to explode all around her. Through the ferns and the saplings, past the oaks and hickory trees Mishe Mokwa and her cubs ran. While the last rays of the sun left the day, and darkness overtook the world, she came to a place where the land ended and the great waters of what we now call Lake Michigan begin. Standing at the shore while her precious two precious cubs gathered around her, bawling out their fear, with the smoke and fire so close behind, she jumped. Her babies, so well trained and knowing nothing other than the guidance of their mother, followed quickly behind.
She knew nothing about distance or the effect of temperature on her body. She only cared that the safety of her cubs laid ahead and death laid behind. While the waters of the massive lake chilled her body and the waves crashed over her head, she cried out to her babies,encouraging them to follow.
In the predawn darkness,as the first rays of light began to brighten the world, Mishe Mokwa reached the shores of what is now known as Michigan. As she climbed from the water to the safety of land, the exhaustion of her trip across the massive lake threatened to overtake her. Despite the demands from her overtaxed body, she turned and called for her babies. As the light of day overcame the darkness, she could see first one cub,then the other fighting their way through the waves. In her desperation,she bawled out encouragement to them,while at the same time knowing that the distance was long and her cries were futile.
As darkness turned to dawn and dawn turned to day, she watched her precious cubs struggle against the power and chill of the lake. Eventually, first one, then the other disappeared from view, overtaken by the power of the massive lake.
She watched and cried out for them for days,while her hope waned to acceptance and acceptance turned to mourning. And so, the bear laid her head down into the sand that had promised safety and she slept.