come, stay and let's talk. it's a good day to be alive
I’ve heard there’s no limit to koi fish to grow.
But caged in a small glass bowl
looking out into the world,
I’ve heard it does not fathom ever growing larger
than the size of a bowl
I wonder how I can scoop one out of the bowl
and let it grow in the river
so that it can grow, swim free as it wishes,
and rise to its calling,
to become a dragon.
6.4.2022
yes, I am a mere small fish in this humongous ocean.
Feeble I maybe, but I wish to swim.
Let me go into the vast, dark ocean
mythical realm of freedom.
I may be simple, but I can take the hits.
Please, let me go into the world,
let me fight for our future, our world.
11.12.2021
The oddly courageous eyes stared into mine unflinchingly. Knowingly, confidently, but also secretly, we play this Russian roulette with numbers, shooting at each other with guesses. I got her numbers first, then she, mine.
Walking along the river, she said — “I like fish”. I talked about the world collapsing, imploding into its own. She said — “I like fish”. I talked about the nutrition and what best way to survive. She said — “I like fish”.
As we walked under the bridge, she said — “water”. It is funny how it sounds —“water” — like it is waving at you. I noticed her white shoes’ tip point soaked in mud. Her right calf covered in dark black blots. Even onto tip of her white dress. I feel sweat dripping over my forehead but I cannot say anything for too long. I march on, marching on this path that has gotten cruelly too long.
Awkward bug turns into a handshake — and you know the drill — turn around and walk away with as neutral fade as possible and restrain that urge to mutter “shit!” to yourself. Yes, she has a work — laundry — exam to do and she won’t call back. Yes, it was a headshot and clean one at that.
It will heal, and yes, she likes fish. So let these eyes rest and best serve for another day.
9.9.2021
Ralph with Coffee 