How difficult to defy
The predator appetites
Especially during those searching
Flashes of light that erupt between the pines.
We have a rule: don't eat during the day.
After catching a glimpse
Of those cravings on shore we've found
We lose some of our best numbers
That way. Sunset's at both ends of the scale
For these authorities on a disappearing art.
Take my aunt: she went for it.
Poosh! Strung out. And two of my cousins,
They couldn't wait for the dark.
They resisted being
Obscure, without a truer name. Instead,
They leaped for the inviting lights, grave
Appeals of ear and eye, the sensuous razing
Of time. So far, I've strayed past the sign once
To the middle with schools of the others,
Floating counter in clockwise circles
Not to touch the earth or whirl silt
At the bottom or linger
Any longer than it takes to leap
Into thinning air, a wishbone of faith
And defiance. That way, I've survived
In this farm as one trout who can smell
Leaps ahead and trust the pool
Will not be cast out further up.
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