I didn’t choose to be left behind in that month of May 

My bags were packed

My head full of jokes

I heard from Joe during recess 

One last check, one last glare

They thought I didn’t know 

A ghost through the curtains 

is always certain 

His hand touched her cheek;

The mark left was my dog’s enemy.

Sprinted back to the car.

Susie was dancing 

in circles.

I grabbed and pushed her into the backseat 

They came 

“Why is she crying?”

My mom said

as she fixed 

her makeup;

My father said 

a prayer as he gripped

the steering wheel.

Amen.

The lake always broke through quiet times before.

On the coarse damp sand

We’d laugh and 

build castles 

that lasted past noon.

I’d float in the water and

My hair, straight and blond, became cling wrap. 

The car swerved and I looked up.

My mom had been a seating rock 

held up by the grab handle.

“Calm down.”

Her mouth a straight line. 

“Catherine.”

I almost hadn’t recognized my father’s voice, rough and low.

My mom reached and turned the radio on 

And nothing else could come between.

I lowered the window, 

The cool morning breeze welcomed me.

I tapped my fingers

on the tip of glass 

as we neared the trip’s gateway.

Waterfall bridge was a local landmark 

that always needed fixing 

It stretched out amongst the pines.

Its two lanes were narrow and built for cattle.

I didn’t trust the bridge 

I’d count its length 

1, 2, 3

Headlights at a distance 

4, 5

A red van

6

It was a time when sight was blind

but I swear his left hand jerked the steering wheel.

White clouds

Drifting