The fishing pole gets stuck every third turn of the reel and the sand sucks the thongs off the feet. Just past the curving shore is a dark mysterious island that can only be accessed by boat, ferry, or kayak. Beyond the reach of wading are dark green mangroves where all the fish and mythical creatures like mermaids, devils, and giants hide underneath and in the deep waters full of fear and delight.

1. Just Past(46)
The fishing pole sticks every third
turn of the reel, and the sand sucks
the thongs right off the feet. A grey
churning leaves detritus on the line
and the water looks dirty. Just past
the curving shore is a dark island,
mysterious, accessible only by boat
or ferry or quickly paddled kayak.
The dark green mangroves beckon
just beyond the reach of wading.
That’s where all the fish hide,
and the mermaids, devils, giants,
underneath the bowers and in turgid
deep waters full of fear, delight.
There’s a gentle music, the birds sing along
as the sun descends in red and pink,
one last bright raying spark to a dying day.
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Melinda Russek 4/25/14