One early autumn morning

One early autumn morning

One early autumn morning
walking with my aunt
to a nearby marina

A lone fisherman on the pier
unhooked a bluefish
tossed it back in the water

In passing,
he said he doesn't like eating fish

My aunt asked if we could take some home
He told us to come back in awhile

After we circled the park
four small bluefish
waiting for us in his bucket

I took off my sweatshirt
wrapped and rolled up the fish

As we walked home
the small bundle
wiggled wildly
water dripped
down my arms

When we came home
she cleaned and cooked the fish
served with rice
we shared the meal
fresh
tender
simple

Later,
my hands smelled of salt and what was once alive
and generous with their offering