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Madison Beane is a junior at Endicott College, where she studies psychology and criminal justice. Much of her writing is inspired by the loss of her mother to stage four melanoma—a loss that continues to shape her life and her work. Madison often finds comfort and clarity by the ocean, spending time with family and writing on the beaches of Cape Cod. Her poetry reflects themes of love, memory, and resilience. She would like to thank her professor, Doug Holder, for his guidance and encouragement in her writing journey.

Madison Beane

Ma….

It’s just us now—
the dogs, the couch,
crime shows blaring in the dark.

We’ve shared this house my entire life,
since Mom left,
since Mom died.

She laughs much softer now,
moves slower too.
I pretend not to notice.

When the game’s on, she keeps score in her head,
like always,
steady, certain, on top of the game—
and I sit there praying to god
time forgets about her for a while.

The tattoo

The shark
They never stop moving

No matter the strength of the current
Simply continuously gliding

That’s the strength I recognize
The current I carry with me
My mom’s strength
My dad’s power
My aunt’s encouragement

Each flow of advice Is a current of lessons
To guide me through the waters
The waters of life, the deep ends you can’t reach
The sandbars where you easily stay afloat

I carry the shark with me
Permanently now as a reminder on my body
To never stop moving through the rough waters of life

— Madison Beane

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To have your work considered for the Lyrical send it to:
Doug Holder, 25 School St.; Somerville, MA 02143
dougholder@post.harvard.edu