97poems/cuddlefish

CUDDLE FISH

I find myself feeling envious
of the cuddle fish on the nature show,
the gentle stroking by her mate
with his tentacles,
as he huddles above her,
protecting her from other males,
to his advantage, to be sure,
not hers.

I have been reading
about the body’s response
to decisions, how it tells us
when what we’re doing is right.
It’s not that I didn’t know this
but I needed reminding.

Yes, with the gentle prod
of jack hammers.

Love for the squid
is not so gentle.
Sex, in fact, is fatal.
When danger comes
they think themselves invisible,
in a variety of patterns
and colors.

Yes, well don’t we all,
don’t we all.

2/3/97