Drowned Fish

Warm water surrounds;
A reminder, a ritual;
Solace and succor;
In the urban simplicity.

Wetness envelopes;
Memories of spring rains;
Dry deserts billowing;
Childhood walks down
Burbling streams.
Vast expanses known;
Salty sprays sprinkling
her face.

The taste equals
her tears.

Soaps, and lotions;
fluffy towels prepared;
Cotton robe, absorbing;
She is ready.

Her tail flicks;
catching on the sharp rocks;
A short moment;
Compared to the long years.
Pain against agonizing screams.

Cool water surrounds,
warmed from within;
Her tail will flick no longer;
Tear stained face;
The message.