We walk on water, in winter. Lake Pepin flows beneath the ice. And less so does the eagle drop her dragon-shadow on the rooftops and sidewalks in the chilly season. Do you know the bird I speak of? She perches in the park across from Fiesta Foods, this bald eagle as fat as a Thanksgiving turkey with the wingspan of a small airplane. She patrols our sky, circling over Lake City.

Lake City – but which? Half the stars have one.