Saturday, October 26, 2019

Sea Turtles

Sea Turtles 

Year's ago on the big island 
of Hawaii, I saw them,
on their backs baking in the heat.

Scaled flippers flailing continuously 
in their desperate 
motion to right themselves.
It irritated me to see them struggle,
and I knew they would perish.

But my boyfriend who grew up 
on the big island 
stopped me from
aiding the unfortunate marine reptiles.

The fishermen were old time islanders
Japanese, Portuguese and 
local mixed Hawaiians
they had always done this to sea turtles 
as they had been taught  
and learned to before.

The scene ached for remedy and education 
about there coming scarcity,
the year 1978
Still I couldn't understand 
how people born near the ocean
harvesting its animals could allow
such cruelty and suffering.

My agitation became unbearable, 
I wanted to flee
the awful sight of torture 
flee the misery

and my static helplessness.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Ahh, Disibility

        Ahh

Like the growing surge 
the slow tightening 
of a cramping muscle, 
the calamity of family betrayal
grips me with overwhelming pain.

Immediately,
options run the corridors   
of my mind 
and my twisted leaping heart
for a resolution. 
Sweeping over me like an icy wind, 
came the recognition that somehow 
I am responsible.

I am, for my frustration and fear,
but only wanting support 
and an iota of commiseration.
I am confused by their ferocity
their righteous vehemence 
that I've done wrong.
   
They name my toxic lingering anger 
that overwhelms them 
and me of along with it
and influences my behavior.
They, my children, informed me,
and such a declaration 
ricocheted Into my bones.

Courage is required upon waking
mortified by a body that can't walk or talk,
to bear the burden of my inching decline,
anger is also known as fear
of the unknown 
like shadows hide roving sharks 🦈 
to eat me.

I may not see old age, 
and will lose surly as 
the sun ☀️ will rise tomorrow 
ever more abilities
to this dreadful condition,
that thrusts me into the role 
of freak and slob that I abhor.

Love and tolerance may not win
In this intimate family betrayal,
and like songbirds,
spinning haunting notes 
through the night,
you will look and long for them 
when the birds 🐦 

do not show again in the fall.