Cormorant
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For a time, it seemed
the silence was forged
in fog, compressing the
tides as if a block of wax
was warmed and spread
out to the horizon.
Or at least as far as
that dark drift of
sludge, a cormorant,
exploiting currents
in sleepy drift.
Soundlessly slipping
below the waterline
like a grief or burden
accustomed to
voiceless vanishings.
It’s a well-perfected
dodge, smooth as
artifice, leaving but
a dimpling in black
dissolve; the silken
folds open and roll
back to calm while it
pursues silver-blue
shoals in watery light.
Later rising,
in phantom ripple,
as a second, lethal
self, yards from
where our eyes
had expected before
the gibbering bolt,
the abrupt, ungainly
wing flap uncrumpling
just above water and
the fumble into flight.
Looking for more poetry?
John Muro
A native of Connecticut, John’s professional career has been dedicated to environmental stewardship and conservation. In the Lilac Hour, his first volume of poems, was published in fall 2020 by Antrim House and is available on Amazon. His poems have appeared or are forthcoming in numerous literary journals, including River Heron, Euonia, Sheepshead, Moria, Willawaw, Writers Shed, and The French Literary Review. He is also a two-time nominee for the 2021 Pushcart Prize.
John and his wife, Debra, live on the Connecticut shoreline and they enjoy travel, kayaking, and spending time with friends and family. John has a life-long passion for art, music, and all things chocolate.
You may follow John on Instagram.
6 Comments
John Muro makes me want to get outdoors and experience the world he sees. I’m so glad he brings the wonder of life to us to feel with such wonderful descriptions.
Thank you for commenting, Tim. John does the same for us. We’re grateful to work with him and share in the beauty of his world!
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