INTO THE TRENCH

O Divers, I can understand

Your fascination

For discovering the depths.

Indeed, the kelp fronds sway

Like a seductive lover,
Moving in time with the tide.

Otters and seals,

Sea lions and sharks,

Await to be found by you.

And so you go

Waddling down the beach

Like a blackened duck

With your protection on,

Your face obscured in a mask,

Your body burdened by the tanks of this world.

Oh yes, I understand this call

To plunge into the depths

Of this trench of giant squids

And drifting sunfish and jellies.

But I am lazy and too poor

To buy such equipment

And care too little to swim in the cold.

The trench I explore

Lies deep in my soul,

Beyond this shore of daily thoughts.

Cute little fishes with big eyes

And puckered mouths swim there,

And plenty of sea monsters

To spice up any tale.

In this trench, every grain

Of sand from the day

Is washed away and pulled down

Into this world,

Each becoming a notion

For a dream to build upon.

I would write some more about

All the swimming beasties

And coral reefs

And spindly creatures waiting on the floor

Of this slice of mystic sea.

But the sun is falling

And three vultures watch me from a tree—

An omen, no doubt, that I have not much time.

Instead, you will just

Have to be content

Watching my bubbles rise.

-Janaka Stagnaro

janakastagnaro.com