Deep beneath the emerald-green water
Off the coast of Sarasota, Florida,
Five young divers and an experienced spotter
Searched for the so-called blue hole “Amberjack.”
We skirted the edges down a hundred feet
And soon found ourselves facing darkness
[Even with our T-H Marine LED lamps], before
Facing shark-rich depths, a perilous feat.
Keeping an eye on our lowering oxygen gauges
We had signaled to slowly ascend in five
When we spotted a pair of amberjack sharks
Entertaining for us, an experience for the ages.
HONORABLE MENTION
Written on May 13, 2021
For "Blue Hole" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Anthony Biaanco
So far offshore, but nothing was biting
Six-pack behind me looked so inviting
New rod I placed on the deck
Though it was just for a sec
‘Twas then an amberjack hit like lightning
The buoyant rod bounded over each wave
Determined, I vowed that pole I would save
Spun my boat in fit of rage
Against this fish, war I’d wage
An Ahab-like victory I did crave
With a gaffing hook, I retrieved the pole
To catch amberjack, I’d be on a roll
Barracuda caught it first
Fell overboard, then submersed
The ‘cuda eyed me as his dessert goal
*Entry for Frank's "Summer Memory" contest