Safekeeping in Visceral Pockets

A beached whale,
well tended by volunteers,
is the stuff of cardiac surgery,
a once pulsing creature stopped dead
as if in cold cardioplegic arrest,
all pulmonary efforts bypassed as
caregivers tenderly soothe and bathe
this huge displaced aching muscle
in cold isotonic saline solutions,
watchful, breath-holding, ever waiting
before returning this magnificent beast
to Mother Earth's heaving chest cavity,
rejoicing, having achieved once again
100% paced and regular rhythm.