lake bosomtwe
by Ty Halton
between California & Ghana
for the aunties, uncles, and ancestors
undone. unburdened. undressed.
smooth, cool water covers my skin.
coating every centimeter of my body,
caressing gently
rejuvenating the outside
healing the inside.
the black clay resting at the bottom of the lake
sifts between my toes
as i find myself rooted in the land
where the ancestors once stood.
surrounded by rolling hills
covered in trees
green as a plain under
a ghanaian storm cloud rain.
i have a feeling of fullness
that not even fufu or kebabs or kenkey can give.
i float freely in this oasis
knowing that freedom may be fleeting
but find no energy to care
about the yawns of yesterday
or trials of tomorrow.
undone. unburdened. undressed.
Ty Halton
Ty Halton is a writer, actor, and director who constantly moves between Bakersfield, California and Accra, Ghana. He earned a double BA in English and Theatre from CSU Bakersfield and is currently working toward his MFA in playwriting at Antioch University, Santa Barbara. In his free time, he likes to go on hikes and do some nature photography (which he admits he isn't great at, but loves it regardless). His work has been published in The Roadrunner Review, Beyond Words Literary Magazine, Neon Mariposa, Afro Literary Magazine, and elsewhere.