and this last day

...I wanted to dive deep between the water to scream...

...but momma-san was there to save me...

...and help me gather the fallen words back up.

Out on blue and red rafts we floated to the center of the lake. I threw the words out over the water and the waves brought them crashing back to us. Sometimes this startled her and she'd scream and we'd let our heads fall in laughter and splashes.

All that darkness swelling beneath my body, not knowing what dwelled there. My worst fears would rise and make my feet kick quickly to move us in such a way that made the water blur out and fade away from my peripheral view.

Momma-san held fast to my raft as I dragged her for 3 hours with my paddling arms and haunting words. The sun settled within our skin. I hold that heat even now...the warmth of knowing I am loved unconditionally.