Archive: Dolphin Feed

First published in Poles Apart Poetry Anthology (apologies, no website available) in 2008.

Dolphin Feed

There is no poetry here
not in the sunset greying
beyond the wharf –
a forgotten postcard
fading
in the footy-match intensity
of the floodlights.

Not in the whaling-history
of the bay
dampening, its colours bleeding.

Not in the brochure-perfect waves
crumpling under many feet.

Not in the ticket
nibbling queues
not in the crowing translators
on the beach or the
squabbling, flapping flocks
bumping beaks
at the back of the line.

Not in the keeper
clucking
to steady the wild animal
and the animals.

Not in the dolphin's eye
following the fish, never
the feeder.

Not in the patch of skin
pecked clean
of protective oils
by many hands.

The only glistening salt-drops here
are tantrum tears
and they don't pause mid-air
to turn
and smile
and dive.

There is no poetry here.

© Laura Smith 2008