The lake is full of children floating
away from shore in red boats. Under
trees, parents cheer. One man waves
an oar, a thumb pressing on the blue
back of the lake. You remember
the evergreens holding snow, imagine
filling your arms with green
water, out where the lake is coldest.
You go inside the house to leave your lover
a note. Instead, on the bedsheet, you place
a sprig of mint. Its scent is all you can say
about why you are in love with this loneliness.
