Kin swimming

As black and white as day and night, sleek forms slicing

through the surging sea. Movement smooth; gleaming, shining;

synchronicity and synergy. Orcas. Kin.

Fins stroke; bodies slide together; skin upon skin.

There, at the side of her mother, flanked left and right

by brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, the future's bright

new promise. Pulled from the womb, raised to the sun

collaboratively. The infant, blesséd one -

born into times that are cursed. The troubled waters

of the Straits reverberate. Under poisoned waves,

lines sever, nets drown, and propellers amputate.

What unkind world greets its endangered daughter?

Imagine: salt fresh tides when all the engines cease;

Orca kin at peace - swimming free in star-strewn seas.