water was my first home.
for 9 months, i floated in a warm salty sea.

it
was
dark
      & close
            & loud.

lub-dub.
lub-dub.
lub-dub.

the steady rhythm of my mother’s heartbeat soothed me.

water was my first home.
whenever i am in the lake –

where watery arms cradle me,
where waves sing to me –

somewhere
deep
inside,

i remember.