Sweaty sunscreen eyes and sticky popsicle juice in my hair: the

picture perfect day for a lake water baptism. You kiss my sun-

drenched shoulders and my eyes start to follow the bead of

sweat as it rolls down your neck. The pinky side edges of our

hands graze as we lay side by side, just enough to let you know

that I’m here and yes, I do still care. It’s too hot to get any

closer and the car reads one-eleven. There’s a blanket of heat

draped over our heads and the world is on fire again. I’m here

to remind you not to get burned and that we might even make

it out of this alive. At least that’s the line they fed me when I

agreed to return... back to this place with cold fans and wet

bandanas to keep us sound asleep at night. Before we drip off,

we can plunge once more. Then I’ll dream of today where I

watched you on the big screen, scripted perfectly and playing

your part so well. It’s like the bug on your knee or the bee in

your hair has been rehearsing it’s whole life. It can all feel quite

mystical, even if you forget your towel. Rub the lotion from

your eyes and I’ll see you again tomorrow.

Madeline Hare is a cosmic being with a love for the human condition.