The Dying Perch

I found a perch this morning Capsized and defeated by the early spring Washed into a silty little corner, waiting to become still The miniature heart, it beat so fast, it tried very hard Fiercely and with fire it tried, in its very unimportant way It pulsed a few more times, in vain, then the blood began to cool Beneath the filigree of grey scales, tarnished with muted gold Painted over with strong looking black lines, like racing stripes I stirred then, upon reflex, as it was clear that the life had ebbed away Quiet within a hush, how small it became, I thought Some lost minutes held me there in a brief reverie Myself only a distortion in the glassy button eye Then the moment was gone and I heard the waves again My body towered above the scene once more, sun weary and sleepy I gave a parting breath and turned without another glance With only a few steps I had forgotten everything Nothing-thoughts took up the space I turned and headed back up the path that led me home