fishing
balancing alone
on the aluminum dock
she pockets her phone
and spies a rock
on the nearby shore
can she jump the span
or will minnows
strip off her skin
as she sinks below
to leave a skeleton
shivering green in shadow
and gleaming bone
answered by visions
entirely morose
she makes her decisions
to settle her toes
just below the surface
where she can lift
them out of the grasp
of the churning fish
it's a very cold dip
but she fights the compulsion
to get up and slip
on her shoes
she waits for a nibble
and sways her feet forth
reaching her ankle
into the course
still deeper the pulse
as the chill tingles up
from the school swimming close
her legs to her hip
she rubs down her thighs
with her palms
to staunch the shivers
erupting inside
and clenches her seat
as ribs of the docks
etch staff lines
on her buttocks
firm as grapes
sitting knees spread
relaxes her pose
lazing back on her head
she can bear to wait
for a nibble
but fears for a bite
she wouldn't quibble
if her discomfort was slight
the phone wakes vibrating
and she starts up to this
where she has been laying
and dreaming the fish.