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
Copyright © Jeremy Martin | Year Posted 2013
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