Ode to A Coruña

As I sit upon this rock, moss and algae sliding off my tail, I unearth my land legs once more.

I am listening to the waves, but I don't hear anything.

So I look for the riptide, but I cannot see it.

I blink and touch my scaley cheek, knowing there is a salty tear running down my face, but I can't feel it.

The brisk air fills my lungs instead of seawater, so I breathe the tear away, but all I can taste is what's left of the bitterness of the ocean.

The sea level begins to rise as the moon whispers for high tide to creep near my toes.

I wiggle them because they want to dance with the sweet energy of the sea.

But then I smell a faint breeze of pine cones and chimney smoke and wonder if I swam too far from home.

photos taken near Menhires por la Paz, A Coruña