Ebb Tide

Massive, gray, these leaden waves bear their unchanging burden— the sameness of each day to day while the wind seems to struggle to say something half-submerged planks at the mouth of the bay might nuzzle limp seaweed to understand. Now collapsing dull waves drain away from the unenticing land; shrieking gulls shadow fish through salt spray— whitish streaks on a fogged silver mirror. Sizzling lightning impresses its brand. Unseen fingers scribble something in the wet sand. Originally published by Southwest Review Options Underwater: The Song of the First Amphibian by Michael R. Burch “Evolution’s a Fishy Business!” 1. Breathing underwater through antiquated gills, I’m running out of options. I need to find fresh Air, to seek some higher Purpose. No porpoise, I despair to swim among anemones’ pink frills. 2. My fins will make fine flippers, if only I can walk, a little out of kilter, safe to the nearest rock’s sweet, unmolested shelter. Each eye must grow a stalk, to take in this green land on which it gawks. 3. No predators have made it here, so I need not adapt. Sun-sluggish, full, lethargic?I’ll take such nice long naps! The highest form of life, that’s me! (Quite apt to lie here chortling, calling fishes saps.) 4. I woke to find life teeming all around? mammals, insects, reptiles, loathsome birds. And now I cringe at every sight and sound. The water’s looking good! I look Absurd. 5. The moral of my story’s this: don’t leap wherever grass is greener. Backwards creep. And never burn your bridges, till you’re sure leapfrogging friends secures your Sinecure. Originally published by Lighten Up Online Keywords/Tags: amphibian, amphibians, evolution, gills, water, air, lungs, fins, flippers, fish, fishy business