Date: August 2, 2026
Location: Lake Andrew, New London, MN

I didn’t know my tears would mingle
with your waters.
Ripples on the surface at sunrise.
Memories lapping gently with your waves
for the first time in fifteen years.
But the ghosts aren’t haunting here –
They are dancing
laughing
singing
loving.
And for the first time in fifteen years
I feel like the girl
who lived her summers
in your waters.
I feel like I am on the way
back to myself again,
like I am
on the way back
home.