Treasure in Time

Jana Katz

Not every lake freezes,

But the fate of a body of water

Exists outside of my everyday vocabulary

I am a passenger, fighting sleep on a moving train

and with the corners of my eyes

I attack stagnancy.

Like lakes who do not freeze,

The chug chug beneath the window

Is a lulling soundscape

To my inner landscape

I never cursed immortality with you

Here’s to hoping our pained mutuality

Is more than just human frailty.

Keep safe, old whispers

With a sage’s patience

Meet me at the corner of Empire and Salvation

I will prick you with goosebumps

And you will hold me tighter,

Until I am real again in your arms

Quiet minds beat hearts still

Deep breaths match my gaze