The truth is all of us look ridiculous
out of water.
But remember in the cold liquid dark
seals are scythes, fish are stained glass
and whales are orchestras.
So, when I am out, once a year,
heaved up by the shore -
fat reserves rippling under
scores of happy feet -
remember, I’ll be back soon
A shadow under your boat,
an undiscovered island,
a smear on the horizon.
Â
G. Toro is a speculative fiction writer who identifies as queer and spends too much time wondering what’s lurking beneath the sea just beyond her window. She has been published by perverse magazine, The Babel Tower Notice Board and shortlisted for the Aurora Prize for Writing 2019.
Pronouns: she/her.