Following the line of the sea shore,
Floating lazily along, propelled by 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 in the opposite direction,
Eyes searching the closemouthed water for prey,
Watching through the dimness, seeming
To observe all things, ignoring an idle
And lonely fish, waiting patiently.
Determined to control his kingdom, the shark
Inspects his watery realm, his tidal
Land, deep and untouched by the sun, grey
Continually as he roams, fading into the dark
And safe abodes to where his victims flee.

				             1975