Poetry

Scales

Basking in the reddish glow of fishing boats
you squeeze your heels together,
wishing your white shoes red
willing the warmth of home.
          And you receive it.
Splashing in waves of your brother's blood.
They bathe you in rubies.
Your gills try stealing oxygen
from porphyrous puddles.
Your skin congealing, forming scabs
from wounds which aren't yours.
Lapping at your non-clavicle
the tepid kiss of used life.

Basking in the reddish glow of fishing boats
you feel like Roxanne.

          Untangle my fishnet stockings
          peel back my scales
          and gaze upon my Magdalen flesh.
          Mary, Mary quite contrary

to belief
we enjoy the feast.

Katie Smart