GIVING BIRTH TO FISH

You. So hardheaded, impatient,
push and push your way to freedom.
And I--exhausted by the struggle--am everything that’s standing in your way.

As you: Unyielding, relentless, unstoppable,
are suddenly here
In a mad, wild, slippery rush
and gone
out into the world.

Too quick for good-byes. Too late to pull you back.
Elusive as a fish. Freed from my line with one swift cut --
we both emerge whole.

Giving birth was easy. Now we flounder.
Now we’re both exhausted by the struggle.

As you: Still hardheaded, impatient, unyielding, push your way to freedom once again,
And I am still everything that’s standing in your way.

This time, it's our hearts
that ache and stretch and tear with all your efforts
to grow up, to grow away: To give birth to yourself
and go
In a mad, wild, slippery rush
out into the dark, uncharted depths of the future.

Too quick for good-byes. Too late to pull you back.
My nets, like my embraces--all are empty.

Sunlight shimmers on the Bay
A beautiful sight
Good-bye little fish