Otter

He streams,

Running the shore like ink over paper

Before pausing to crack a crab claw

And gnaw his way through to flesh.

Replenished, he dives,

Melds into green waves.

In honour of this liquid creature

Who twists between worlds

Blending shadow and light;

I must turn my jealousy in on itself

Loosen it and shake it off

Like a selkie’s skin shed onto sand

Then I’ll return to the water

Swim effortlessly, tirelessly, endlessly

Learn to bend the waves to my will

Before I meet him again, one day,

In the sea’s sliding shadows.