Lake Bed

My first time having sex
after birthing my first child—
a picked-at scab.
My old prom date had said
he wished my brain
lived in a better body.
When I touched my
twelve-year-old self, I imagined
this is all I’d ever have.
Prom Boy, to be fair,
you only told me
what I already knew.
When I touched my
twelve-year-old self, I imagined
fingers of a thousand strangers.
My infant son breathed
new sky in the next room.
My lake for him had drained.
When I was small
I imagined parents
knew everything.

Kerry Trautman’s work has appeared previously in TPQ, as well as in numerous other journals and anthologies. Her ninth book Things to Say When You Have Nothing to Say is available now from Roadside Press. Next up is Days of Beesfrom Dancing Girl Press summer 2026. Find links to Kerry’s books and social media at  https://linktr.ee/OhioKerry.