Vigil at Lake Erie

Breathe in the freshwater and choke on that

acrid scent bubbling from below, the reek of

a thousand loved ones, now ash, dumped in

these waters. Breathe out as Erie crawls

away from the foamy shore, churning the ice

cold water of her depths. Your heart beats to

the rhythm of the shoreline’s dance. 

Wade into the water and let Erie swallow

you up to your knees. Feel the chill wash

through your toes, cascade up your spine

like a waterfall bereft of its downward pull,

and hold tightly to the cold in your skull

Like you would a warm homecoming embrace.

Slide your foot across the shale and slip 

your head under the water. Now breathe in.

Let Erie splash down the back of your throat,

and feel her heavy in your lungs. Feel her

push out your air, fill your insides with ice. 

Then lick your lips. You can almost taste the

crisp bite of the Yellow Perch 

your family loved so much.