• without apology

    moon lofty lilting laugh
    change hap the ocean bath
    gratified surge relax
    splurging waters lag
    swim a fin to drag
    salty seaweeds store
    midway display the stingray play
    across the sand rock floor
    shellfish blacks and blues array
    accept darkest depth invade
    felt the colder fluid flow
    air bubbles blow in undertow
    deep below forgotten
    hit of currents crash like serpents
    wriggling great promise
    let go of dreams that make it seem
    fish must eat bottom greens
    engines roar sputter muffled sound of beasts
    little ones dangle little feet barely touching brine
    laughing cooing as papa casts out a line
    suddenly hit in a blitz so quick
    a bass or is it a grouper?
    whatever he is he sure can swim
    jumps in the air like a tuna
    all is fair we’ll eat him rare
    get to shore or sooner
    the tackle box smells of mildew
    if you say I am you are
    the blues are running in summer sunning under
    skies as dark as denim
    to protect themselves in schools of thought
    lure fish into a feeding frenzy
    fated on plates from fishkill ny
    baked-butter sauce lemon
    sprig of parsley
    without apology
    fish no fish
    go to heaven.