I have driven to Layman Lake again
to see it rippled and broken by wind
and to realize one thing is always
covered by another—
this land by this lake,
fish by shadows and light,
sorrow by a brave face.
Tomorrow they will hide
my old body in a paper gown.
The doctor will look under my skin
and see my troubles with her own eye.
Fear will hide behind courage,
the will to give up my ghost
behind love of my family,
pain by the desire to be healed.
Meanwhile, lights dance
on the lake’s choppy surface,
turning it into a city.
