You, Lake

You, lake, pale and kissed by twilight,
Let me sit for just an hour more
Until the stars whisper their fast approach.

I am like you, who gathers the rain and quietly sends it back,
Who lets the fall leaves rot on the shore,
Who is always touched by wind.

We drift through the seasons together without thought or grievance,
And I always wonder how deep you go.
Someday, I know, I will find you lowest valley,

And in all that green water, in all the tangled weeds and oil,
The lost oars and drowned roots,
I will find your deep connection to the world.

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Matt Turner, age 17
2009 Finalist
Kenmore, Washington
Inglemoor High School
Teacher: Tim Curtis