I recall parks at night,
the water still dark and unyielding to my presence


I’d sit on the dock,
                   dan 

                      g

                       lin

                          g

	                         feet



bait for any predator


there was no reason,
			I never could focus


just the silent air whispering to the water,


“Take her! At least snack on her feet! Look at how she bravely mocks!”



I could not see the alligators
	though I knew they lingered
fear was the last thing on my mind


I pleaded to be taken
			I yelped and howled
a wounded victim
	waiting for the moon to
				disappear



and I thought it might
and I thought it would
			but I could still see the reflection


it took all of my breath not to
			          jump in and drown.



08/09/2008
Posted on 08/10/2008
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