Carol Lee Vail Prize 2nd Place 2021

Seeing Champ

          by Cindy Hill

A shape below the surface of the lake,
below the line of sight, a memory
repressed in more polite society.
To mention what you’ve seen is a mistake
you’ll not repeat. The look on peoples’ faces
shames you. Late each night, you reconsider.
Water laps the shore and moonlight shimmers,
creates an explanation which replaces
the image seared in mind’s eye clear as day:
Elegant curved neck, majestic eyes
locked on to yours, with all that look implies,
your life before that moment cast away,
locked under water flowing cold and deep,
swimming through the currents of your sleep.

locked on to yours, with all that look implies,
your life before that moment cast away,
locked under water flowing cold and deep,
swimming through the currents of your sleep.