Melting Pond

by Michael Dylan Welch, Subhashini Jayatilake, and Lakshman Bulusu

First published in Frogpond 48:3, Autumn 2025, page 77. Originally written 12 April 2025 on Zoom.

Christmas Day . . .

the cancer ward

a little too quiet Michael

snow on pine needles

the slow drip of insulin Subhashini

stomach ulcer

the day fades quicker

into the crystal fog Lakshman

chatter on the ski lift

about her chickenpox scar Michael

heavy breath

into the cold breeze

dropped inhaler Subhashini

by the melting pond

my child asks to spell meningitis Lakshman