I wore a marigold scarf today
Just to tussle the stereotypes, I painted
Flame my lips, left my office looking like sea-glass
And pedaled to Boston.

Just to tussle the stereotypes, I painted
Petal pink the ocean and my eyes low tide
The PH was too high, the whale songs acidic
But Captain smiled when he saw me bright.

Petal pink the ocean and my eyes low tide
I’ll miss the Right whales when they go
My bike swims glitter sun on deck as I
Tear myself from the wind-washed waves.

I will miss the Right Whales. When they go,
Tears will color the sea blue with authenticity
And Captain knows to navigate
By the breach of my notes –

Tears will color the sea. Blow by an author’s city,
The pages swept to narrow science past my window
I am conscious on a beach in Boston
But there are no conches at my feet.

The pages swept tomorrow’s signs past minnows
In Pepsi cans and smiling similes
I should get back before the stars set sail
The evening whale songs will steer me home.

I will miss the Right Whales when they go
Flame my lips, leave my office looking like seaglass
I will tear myself from wind-washed waves
At least I wore some marigold today.