British Columbia Poetry Magazine –

"Kłlil̓xʷ (Kliluk), I Feel You" by V. Xhmara

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September 15th, 2026

British Columbia Poetry Contest #2 – First Place

Kłlil̓xʷ (Kliluk), I Feel You

by V. Xhmara

My Spotted Lake,
Kliluk, is a rare thing to view—
with its many pools,
the very ones the Syilx people used.

I find myself at the centre,
as if standing on a singular rock,
surrounded by Kliluk,
held by its endless pools.

Each pool unique,
carrying its own chemistry—
my alchemy.
Some are deep,
while others are shallow.
Some feel warm, some hot, some simply cool.

There are those that are white,
yellow,
or classic blue.
A few hit the nose,
making my stomach turn.
And the ones that itch,
truly burn.

Unexpectedly,
it’s the lukewarm ones
that feel the worst—
their discomfort
acute.

I didn’t have to leave that rock.
I could have stayed.
But I made the decision
to sit in their discomfort,
letting their properties seep through me.

And because this lake moves,
breathing just as I do,
I know that each season
the pools will vary—
the rain shifting them,
like memories.

But for now,
for today,

I will sit in Kliluk—

this year’s lake—

stepping into the pools

my heart guides me to.

Discomfort aside,
I enjoy being immersed.
Even if your lake has hundreds of pools,
it’s a gift to step in and experience you.

Kliluk, I feel you.

But I still have to ask:
If I step into each of your resplendent pools,
sit,
do the integral work,
soak your minerals through—

Will you crystallize my youth?

About the Poet
V. Xhmara resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Read the poet's biography and Wax Poetry and Art publications
on V. Xhmara's Artist Page.

This poem is also featured in Poetry World #16, published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.

Keywords: Spotted Lake, memories

Previously published in British Columbia Poetry Magazine:
On Joy (Metamorphosis)
by Chellaloah

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