"My Interlaced Hands" by Adley Cawthon (Lincoln County)

break 
the lake's surface 
and I enter an underwater world. 
Away from the bright lights 
and loud noises, 
where peace reigns 
and quiet 
has everything under control. 

Underneath the water everything is serene. 
The quiet empties my head of thoughts 
and I look around. 

Light illuminates the silty floor. 
Curly Pondweeds 
grow towards the sky, 
reaching 
for the sun. 
The water is cool and refreshing, 
especially 
after baking on the gray dock 
with the sun beating down on me
and the shores of 
Damariscotta Lake. 
I breathe out my last bubbles, 
Time’s up. 

I unwillingly take a swooping stroke 
and break the surface 
out 
of my underwater world 
where time stops 
and I feel tranquil. 

---

ADLEY CAWTHON is twelve years old and lives in Alna, Maine. She is currently in sixth grade and enjoys playing basketball and swimming in the summer. Her inspiration for “My Interlaced Hands” came from swimming underwater on Damariscotta Lake, opening her eyes underwater, and finding there was a whole other world under the surface. When she’s not busy with sports, Adley enjoys reading, writing, and hanging out with friends.