The Lake

I have given the world a ceiling—
Dark, cold, rippling—
Lying there in the water
With my head tilted back

My body thanks
The top of my head
For it were not in the ceiling
I would fall into nothing
Into everything

We’ve been told that beyond the sky is space
An unending ocean
Of things unknown
And known

If I would drop
Like ripe fruit from a tree
(When I can no longer hold on)
Would I fall forever?

---

Taylor Volkman, age 17
Suwanee, Georgia
North Gwinnett High School
Teacher: John Bush