To the Moon

by Shannah Arner

  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/