December 2008

Abyss Diver

This monolith need not your love.

She lay slumbering all along

In the sea bottom’s cradle

But the sand that clouded the water was disturbed by you,

Disturbed as you dove in the deep to see her face again.

You said that you see her in me.

But I know that’s the illusion:

When I look into the sea, my reflection plays in sunspots

While she stays below the surface and layers it.

Our blended complexions are deceptive if you look right when the midday sun hits the waves.

But no, she does not hunt me!

Never have I been her prey.

She has none, though you encourage her presence with gestures unseen,

Distorted by rhythmic tidal fingers

And pitied by her eyes half-lidded.

She remains here because you have not learned to swim.

Circling below,

Stirring the water,

Altering the flow,

She caused the rip-currant that dragged me from you,

And conquered Poseidon’s temple.