SITTIN’ ON THE DOCK OF THE LAKE. Floating Moon, Starry Lake is a collection of poems inspired by Lake Superior and penned by Warren Lang. Lang incorporated reflections on his belief in living mindfully.

If you travel to the north a little less than 200 miles, you will eventually stumble upon the beautiful Lake Superior. But you no longer have to take the treacherous car ride to experience the beauty. Thanks to a Menomonie resident; you can now simply read about it.  Retried UW-Stout English and Philosophy professor Warren Lang’s book, “Floating Moon, Starry Lake,” is a collection of Lake Superior inspired poems.  

“Every year we spend vacation time on Lake Superior on this place called Rocky Run,” Lang said, “That’s where all the poems are written.” Lang’s poems are the result of many years absorbing the beauty off the shore of the cove near Washburn. Lang finds his inspiration in relaxation, “I write poetry all the time anyhow and I found that a very inspiring place. I find it very relaxing and I had nothing else to do.”  Lang’s work also reflects his Buddhist beliefs of living mindfully and meditation. 

When asked which of his poems he likes the best, Lang said, “I like them all of course, that’s why I put them in [the book]…I like ‘The Heart Sutra Lake Superior’. I don’t know if anyone else likes it, it’s just a personal favorite.”  

Lang’s book was published in April 2012 and was a fully local effort.  His son designed the cover and text and local Menomonie company West Wind Graphics printed the book. 

Lang says he has been writing poetry most of his life, he estimates around 40 or 50 years.  He was previously published in several journals and an anthology called  “The Party Train: A Collection of North American Prose Poetry.”  With all the writing he has accumulated over the years, Lang hopes to publish at least two more books on his own. While there aren’t any plans set in stone yet, Lang says, “I have a backlog! I haven’t published any books until now. I have at least two more books in mind: one book of prose poems and another book of a number of other poems. I have quite a few other poems on other subjects.”  In May, Lang had a book signing and reading in which over 50 people attended. At this time he says he is not planning any more readings or signings in the area, but hopes to do something by Lake Superior soon (possibly in August). 

While Lang’s book “Floating Moon, Starry Lake” isn’t yet available at any stores in Eau Claire, it can be purchased in Menomonie at Bookends (214 Main St. E.) or Mike’s Art & Design (105 Main St E.) and Simply Dunn in Downsville (E4606 Highway C. Lang hopes to have it for sale in Eau Claire soon.