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Skimming the Surface

by Linda Fuller

I won’t go down there,
ponderous plankton drifting
in cold green murk to gliding maws;
I will skim the surface like a water bug
where nothing can hurt me…
only eat me whole.

I won’t bore like a worm into the core,
into the pulp of steamy fruit;
I will dance
like a dandelion on the wind
where nothing can hurt me…
only blow me away in pieces.

I won’t probe like a blind snake
the viscous walls to a pumping heart;
I’ll only touch the top layer of skin,
which will shed like a molt
and will not hurt me…
only sear off my fingerprints.

I won’t go down there,
into the mine with a pickaxe
to gouge out gems from the rock walls;
I’ll only pan with a sieve for gold
which cannot hurt me…
only fool me utterly.

06/09/2010

Posted on 06/09/2010
Copyright © 2024 Linda Fuller

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by JJ Johnson on 06/14/10 at 01:42 AM

While exploring avoidence you have discovered the depths of the superficial world. At least that's how it appears to me. I like the imagery throughout and the idea that you are damned if you do, damned if you don't. Or maybe it's all good, no matter which road you choose, the pain brings on the gain. I like the implication that it's just fool's gold after all is said and done.

Posted by A. Reed on 10/15/11 at 09:27 PM

This was captivating and showcased both strength and fearlessness. It was truly a lovely read.

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