On the edge of Lago Atitlan

What I wanted, more than anything,
was to fly.
to kick off, strong and sure and shoot up
into the azure sky, arms outstretched.
I wanted the wind,
rippling across my skin --
through me.
It wasn’t enough to stand there,
at the edge of the lake,
and look only so far.
I needed to dive.
Dive into the deepest part,
to swim to the very heart of these mythical waters.

To soar just above
and skim
each inch with my fingertips.
To say that I knew this place
and that it too,
knew me.

What I wanted
more than anything 
was to belong.
Here.

Maryangel Chapman is a writer, editor, and creative writing coach. Her work has appeared in several publications including CommuterLit, Fiction on the Web, TDS Insider, The Medium and Screamin Mama. Born in Guatemala and immigrating to Canada at the age of six, she has been writing ever since. Find me on Instagram @marys_bookish_musings

Return to Journal

WordCity Literary Journal is provided free to readers from all around the world, and there is no cost to writers submitting their work. Substantial time and expertise goes into each issue, and if you would like to contribute to those efforts, and the costs associated with maintaining this site, we thank you for your support.