A cool breeze urged soft waves to lick the lake’s rocky shore while a fine mist crept curiously toward the burgundy intruder. Frank had aligned the car with a boat ramp then heaved it forward, each step letting the water lap higher until it spilled into the broken window. The ramp was slick and mossy, but Frank only tripped a few times. Finally, the lake bottom dropped off: an underwater cliff. The car filled with water and ultimately plunged into darkness.
Karen had followed Frank, unable to speak. She watched him clamber out of the spring water. He sloshed back onto dry land, shivering uncontrollably. She moved to him now and wrapped her arms around him. He pressed his forehead into her small shoulder and began to silently cry. Tears seeped into Karen’s shirt. “Shhh. Shhh,” she said and gently rubbed his back. “Shhh.” His sobs grew heavier until his entire body shook. Karen just held him as the pale oranges of sunrise washed over them. A tiny brown wren pecked at the pebbles nearby.
goneland
the figure moves
the figure walks
the figure speaks
the figure talks
the figure stoops
the figure stops
through ashland
wasteland empty
burnland
wandering ever in
deadland goneland
appetite once
a wildfire
burn the field
take the gold
take the young
burn the old
ancient hunger
devoured in flame
sun is dark moon is blood
devastation lives to flood
water’s dry land is wet
soon no souls to forget
ashen tears streak
blackened faces
go now slim figure
become the dark
submit to shadows
slow your heart
dont let them find you
dont let them see
youre on your own
your own damned
Eternity
###
About Shannah Arner
Shannah Arner is a student at the University of Missouri. She has been published in Epic Literary Magazine. She is working towards a B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing, as well as a Theatre Minor. She's a Missouri native and enjoys exploring woods both around campus and in her hometown. When Shannah isn't writing, she enjoys singing to her bird and crocheting.
Connect with Shannah Arner
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannah.arner.5
Blog: https://shannaharner.wordpress.com/