Message to Sea Lion
Nancy Bryan I have seen you on your back, barrel body upside down, sleeping. Seen your head thrown back like a wave. Sleek face to the sun, glistening oil. Three deep lines of a nostril open, close like a door. Hoof-like ears. Sand crusted eyes, tearing. You are beautiful in brown body in white sand. Blond bird against dark. Shit smooth shining these stones. * I heard barks and roars from the edge of ocean. On glistening sand, you belly up to abandoned pup, head up, touch noses. I heard sighing, breathing, your liking the afternoon sun. * In cerulean water, I swim with you. Your torpedo body twirls, a darting child running wild. Is this a race? Your speed is bullet-like, out of the blue, Olympic. Do you have boundaries? But, I’m cold & climb back in the boat. I don’t like your fast pace. I want to touch you. Someday I will lie down next to you and swat the flies off your body. |
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About the Author: Nancy Bryan’s poems are forthcoming in various journals, including Mudfish, The Cortland Review and Comstock Review. She has taught writing for over a decade in the English department at Brookdale Community College and in their Continuing Education department. Nancy lives in Fair Haven, N.J.