The Eel

Slithering in the depthless waters
We find the eel—never blinking
Rarely has he seen the sun
Encompassed with mistrust
He’s a soloist of the deep

Calm burning in his soul, 
We find his home
Serenely built on the quietude of his spirit
He melts into his cold tunnels
He’s the keeper of the ocean’s secrets

Frowning and gaping 
He lifts his slimy head
Watching the strangers swimming along
Catching interest in one or two
Only to assist them in knowing—he’s the devourer of whomever he pleases to 
overthrow

He’s so unobtrusive, this little creature
Yet fire seems to burn from within
As if by coming a little closer…
He’d reveal his secrets from beneath the fin

In awe the eel will slither back in his throne of emptiness
Silent desperation was never described so discreetly
Yet he conquers all completely
And survives longer than his kind could ever appreciate

Soloist of the sea
I doubt you desire me to observe
Your slimy, despicable existence
But you are worthy of acknowledgement—
Much worthier than I myself 

For truly, my eely presence in these lines
Is diminutive against your profound, human-like indifference
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Hicks Avatar
June 24, 2016 at 12:22 PM
The soloist of the deep in his throne of emptiness! How fascinatingly ominous. As Scott says below, one doesn't think much about the eel (except when it's served in sushi ... hehe) That's what make your poetry great ... being able to write the off-the-wall, with a sense of intrigue, but still with a connected-ness to the everyday. Say what you want, but I enjoyed your eely presence ...
Thirtyseven Avatar
December 15, 2014 at 7:08 AM
What an awesome last line. You've made me think about eels more than I ever have before. Not sure that I should thank you for that. Great read though.
Breidenthal Avatar
December 15, 2014 at 11:00 PM
Thanks so much!!! ~Laura
Brown Avatar
January 3, 2012 at 10:56 AM
Congrats on making it through the 1st round of PoetrySoup International Contest. Wishing you the best Laura. Love, Carol
Brown Avatar
December 1, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Congratulations on your featured poem this week Laura. Love, Carol
Esquire Avatar
November 19, 2011 at 9:15 PM
Dear Laura, Outstanding Write YOU have a way of intriguing the reader to want to read more I have made YOU one of my Favorite POETS LOVE ALWAYS and FOREVER, YOUR Liege...Harry
Breidenthal Avatar
November 20, 2011 at 2:30 AM
I'm glad you enjoyed this one - it is a verse that means quite a lot to me...
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