Killer Whales Are A Problem

It is the coat, you see, black, slick, shiny
making me easily mistaken for a seal
even one with red hair
and a giant cyclopean eye

There is no point in trying to outswim predators
all that splashing
would just get their attention
Emit vibrations leading back to me

No, I will be still
Float, bob, at the mercy of the currents
Not flinch away from
sleek forms with inquisitive eyes

I can hold my breath for a long time
which is just as well
given the air I suck past
the little sapling pushed into my snorkel

Both of us are searching for a new home
beyond the shimmering horizon
where our roots can take hold
I’ll know it when I get there