Work Text:
her reclamation, your dirtied hands
A whale fall occurs when
A whale carcass sinks to
The very bottom of the ocean,
A complex ecosystem growing
In its wake. They can last decades,
The size of the whale satisfying
Every little thing that comes upon it,
A carcass as a home for things
That lacked one in the first place.
But you see a whale fall when you step
Outside of your door, to your left,
Your old home rests near your new house.
You look down her mouth and see something new
Every time, something beautiful,
Oh, how you made this place beautiful.
Flowers and vines creep up her ribs and sprout
Between the small bones in her fingers,
Her throat which once sang for hope
Now sings for fauna.
Your very own whale fall, her own carcass
Feeds masses, houses them for eternity,
Even if you can’t lie with them.
Even if she’s not where you pray
You still created her, made from
Your own ribs that she spun
Into love, love, love.
Most bury their dead,
But you, oh you,
Oh, how you made this place beautiful.