Chapter Text
Your legs are so thin.
So small and twig-like.
But they push you through the water all the same.
The water is cold,
but your beating heart
your youthful soul,
keeps you warm
as you continue to paddle.
Sodden logs bump against one another.
Ba-dump!
Ba-dump!
Chains that hold them in place chime
below the serene surface.
Dull chimes echoing through your bones.
You hoist yourself atop the logs.
Muscles bending and flexing in your arms and legs.
You sit legs dangling over them.
Cold body whipped by the winds
that rush down the mountain
to greet you.
You splash about
kicking your little legs with great might.
Summer sun warms your arms.
Pollen fills your nose with nutty and flowery delight.
Below you
lies secrets and treasures untold.
So deep and so far away
You will your legs to stand atop drenched logs.
You’re balanced
for only a brief moment
before you slip and fly backwards
into the cold lake water.
I’ve got you!
It’s freezing
and it envelops you
in a chilly hug.
You whip and thrash wildly in the water,
panicked only for a moment,
before you rise to the surface again.
As you breach the water line,
you cling to the logs once again.
Surveying the scene.
You see the life that surrounds you.
The trees swell and bend with the wind.
Pine needles and dank wood fill the air.
The sun kisses your frozen cheeks.
Its rays are reflected in green waters.
The lake is peppered with boats
and bodies that squeal with glee.
Are these peaceful times?
Or has time stopped altogether?
The wind sails by you
Look at me
It shrieks.
Look at the gifts I have given you.
The joy I bring.
Is this not a second home to you,
My friend?
It does not matter if it is or isn’t.
You won’t be back for years.
You’ll have to save your answers until then.