Oceanside

What the waves bring
and deposit at our feet
is not tribute.

Our bright net cast
hauls in more plastic
than fishes.

I know you wished to capture
a sea dragon
not this kelp strand.

If the ocean controlled
its own currents
and tides

it might rid itself
of all our castaways—
trash or not.

No. I do not believe
the waves are ever silent
though an infinite meditation.

copyright © 2021 Kenneth P. Gurney