White Oak
I’m not big into poetry, but it was recommended that I read Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. I now live in Greenville, South Carolina, which she refers to as part of her childhood. The poetry is incredibly approachable for someone (like me) who really struggles with the nuances and imagery of poetry. And it’s autobiographical. It’s a quick read for adults and I love it. I did some riff off her style to write about a place I’ve wanted to get on paper for a while.
Growing up, I spent my summers at a family house on Lake Marion in South Carolina. It is the epitome of my childhood safe place. Every time I put on sunscreen I go there in my mind. My family went swimming yesterday at a state park, and I didn’t shower after (gross, I know) because smelling like that lake was so comforting. I wanted to capture those little moments of my everyday summer growing up.
Golden hour
Quiet slough
“Go put on a shirt.”
Morning dew.
Front yards
Full sun
“Hey batter batter!”
Home run.
Cleat hitch
Dockside
“Y’all wanna go?”
Boat ride.
Cane poles
Fishing hooks
“Storms comin in.”
Library books.
Lake swim
Drip dry
“Better catch your dinner.”
Fish fry.
Small wakes
Crickets chirp
“Get on inside now.”
Still no shirt.
