Fish Scales and Coarse Fingernails

for Melissa

Pearl-eyed, reminiscent of a tramp
Steamer chugging up the Amazon,
You captivated me with danger.

I followed my fears
And found you hovering over me.

What tipped me off,
Months before you materialised—
Your double-edged endearments?

Then you reeled me in...
The biggest fish you ever caught.


©2016 Michael Fraley




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