Song for a Massachussetts Fish
Amit Parmessur

 
On the dun ground the dead body’s shrinking--
like a paper fish painted by a confused child.
What passing-bells for this unsung hero?
Only the scornful cawing of the crows.
Only the dull whistling leaves can murmur
a few hasty prayers. Who’ll mourn for the dying
marine life? The shrill whale choirs of deep waters,
perhaps, or the demented waves of wailing oceans.
On the dun ground the dead body’s shrinking--
a fish bitten by the black cat of human greed.
What sad candle may guide this soul to Heaven?
There’s only the glow in the corpse’s eyes.
The future plight of other creatures shall
be its shroud, the regret of Man its flowers
and creeping dusk a drawing-down of blinds.