Suspended Animation Redux

once upon a time I swam in the green Gulf of Mexico
until I viewed drone footage of schools of hammerheads
placid in the single fathom depth of the water
immediately offshore from the SPF 50 beach
and the sound between the islands

I told you it was safe to go back home
waving that narwhal tusk like a lightsaber
taking black and white photos of orcas
‘discovering’ smooth pebbles inscribed with your initials
laughing, saying this one has my name on it

our charismatic marine fauna fades into
two-dimensional pen and ink sketches
the least favorite art teacher is not impressed
we go on relentlessly, ignoring the self-critiques
placing that centerpiece off center

[RK/9/17/23]