Following the shape of the sea shore,
Floating indifferently along, coasting on the current
And sweeping the sea clean before
Him as he goes, mouth in anticipation
Open to show an armoury of teeth, gleaming;
Tail in invisible motion, bent
First one way, then quickly with an opposite rotation,
Eyes searching the closemouthed water for prey,
Discerning through the dimness, seeming
To observe all things, ignoring an idle
And lonely fish, anticipating patiently.
Determined to control his kingdom, the shark
Reviews his fluid realm, his tidal
Territory, deep and untroubled by the sun, grey
Unceasingly as he drifts, fading into the dark
And safe retreats to where his victims flee.

				             1975