Swimming at the Lake

by Danny P. Barbare

At the foot of the lake, the water
bubbles and laps
the sun is still, peacefully quiet
except the blistering sound
of the cicadas
and the crunch of the dry
grass 
this is my America, as if stepping
into its friendly arms
and holding me up off the ground
as it cuts me from my ankles up,
till warm as blood.

———

Danny P. Barbare has recently been published in Columbia College Literary Review, Cardinal Sins, and The Aurorean. He attended Greenville Technical College where he studied creative writing and his poetry won the Jim Gitting’s Award. He lives with his wife and family in Greenville, SC.