The Return

I return to that place
thinking of your face
The image stuck in my mind
the one thing I want to find.

I see where the car's tires were
the sandy tracks on the shore
They disappear into the cold
a story left untold.

I gasp and imagine you drowning
and your heart pounding
The tears well up in my eyes
and I let myself cry.

Just knowing you died here
is like realizing my biggest fear
Your life ended beneath the lake
but that was the chance you were willing to take.

Did you try to struggle or fight?
Pushing at the door with all of your might?
Or did you simply sit and let the water come
knowing that you were ready to be done?

I start to leave
but something stops me
Under the surface I see a shadow
and that's when I know.