The Death Lake
​
​
You were the light.
The shadows hid me
Until you came and led me out.
Out.
Out of the corner
in which most my life took place.
The first time our lips met,
You whispered three words into my soul.
I love you.
Steadily refusing my doubts and voice
In my head reminding me that
I can’t have him.
Then everything falls apart.
Down,
Down,
Down I go.
Into the underground maze of my soul.
Echoes chase me all around,
Making myself believe that he’s here,
I listen for his footsteps but hear none.
Heart beating rapidly faster,
All warmth and hope leaving my body,
Goosebumps covering my legs and arms.
I made a secret promise to never leave without him,
I search in the underground lake to find him.
This is the way my life has led.
Life is meaningless without him.
I say a quick prayer as I pull off my shoes.
Please please let me find him here.
I jump.
Everything coming at me all at once.
The wind in my ears, the pit in my stomach.
I brace myself for the water.
But I never reach it.
​
​
claire y. hong (2019)