The Sea
Jasmine Burgess

I know why the sea is a black dog-

And I know the velocity of his heartbeat-

He is playful, loyal, with a panting grin

That makes you grin back.

He lunges upwards to swallow us,

Thrashing fists into rocks in frustration,

As the lead strains him back.

I know why the sea tastes of black olives,

I know the stinging bees as you swallow,

The slap that would freeze ice.

I do not like the sea,

People think it is light blue,

Floaty dress fabric, but I know.

We try to dance across the surface,

With a million miles stretching below us,

Hungry and waiting.

I know each note in the sea's swirling symphony,

And I know why the melody repeats to infinity.