For My Classmate Who Drowned Before Growing Up

For My Classmate Who Drowned Before Growing Up

I kneel at the shore of Lake Skannatati,
looking glass waters bordered
by trees choking on autumnal light
while dropping leaves
like old friends suddenly deemed dangerous.
The lake whispers
Trust me, trust me.

Deep inside my face,
I’m clawing at cheekbones and cartilage,
digging away at the fleshy parts,
screaming silent screams
of winter nightmares
holding me by the throat,
allowing no voice to pass.
The lake beckons
Trust me, trust me.

Sky thick, woolen, muted,
rendering Lake Skannatati’s once pristine reflections
marred, dark, choppy.

Lakes are deceptive,
they look like they’d never hurt you,
like the safety of childhood summers
but then they give way at the bottom
surprise you,
suck you down
until your trust is destroyed,
until you completely drown.        

Author: Rebecca M Ross

Photo: Yoann Boyer on Unsplash