The Jetty by Jenika Moen

Take a walk to the Gulf  

when the sky is overcast 

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(the clouds try to cast themselves  

into the sea all together like a swarm  

of grasshoppers behind a pane of glass), 

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and don’t stop where the water jumps  

to greet you. Walk down the jetty.  

They built it just a few years back.  

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Walk to the end, pick your way  

down the side, down the boulders,  

to where they hold tide pools,  

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and there is a limp squid with a milky eye  

wedged between two rocks.  

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Watch for turtles and dolphins.  

Try to have a revelation. Fail.  

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Spy a sea anemone.  

Crouch to get a closer look,  

and reach out to touch it—  

yes, you must. 

Expect fire and agony. 

Feel only soft flesh. 

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