March 20, 2008

• Poetry Thursday

  I Came to See Starfish

  we walked
  feet sinking

  always a step behind
  I looked at the sky
  the waves
  the long strands of brown seaweed pulled across the sand
  doubtful

  you pressed on
  compass and map
  quick and sure
  up this hill
  around this corner

  you were just glad to be walking
  the sun stifled behind the clouds
  but I came to see starfish

  in dark, liquid moments
  you whisper
  "I just want to make you happy"

  you
  on the cusp
  goat-fish and water-bearer

  me
  swimming inside myself
  I don't want you to have to bear me

  when we finally got there
  shoes filled with sand
  all you could find were anemones
  and a little crab poking out between the rocks

  the tide rose
  we step-slid back to the car
  and shook the ocean from our clothes

  the sun laid it's head low
  and the sky-stars opened their eyes in the night
  I tucked my head into the crook of your neck
  your skin stubble-rough and warm

  starfish are tough on the outside
  and regenerate what falls away

  what I remember
  what anchors me in the sea
  is not that you didn't find me a starfish
  but that you bothered to look

  • 4:08 am
  • 2 Comments