Lake Coeur d’Alene

There’s something romantic
about stripping myself of my past
and being completely unashamed
in the moonlight’s reflection
with you.

They told me
about a hideaway spot,
where you can see the shore,
but the shore can’t see you.
I can picture myself
hiding away with you
in our little cove
by Lake Coeur d’Alene.

So I hang my shirt on a branch,
and dip my toes in the water.
But you encouraged me to remove
all that covers my secrets,
and dip my head underwater.

Unafraid
of my past.
Unafraid
of my future.

Removing all the dressings
from my battle wounds,
I take your hand.
And we venture out into
that cold winter lake.

When we were young,
I’d have kept my secrets hidden,
ashamed of what I’d done.
But now,
I let you see all of me.
The scars from my battles—
inside and out.

There’s something romantic
about being completely vulnerable
with the one you love.