OBLIVIOUS THEY ARE
after a photo of the Cliff House, San Francisco
by Steven H. Koenig

oblivious they are
to the water ballerina
in her wedding dress
the sprite gracious
and swirling
as a hectic, genteel public
wade intently
to flat foamy shore.

a boy kneels down
about to add his own water to the surf
as his ruffled sister sprints toward spume

the water ballerina could be a conductor
could orchestrate every move with a hand proffered
saying, "My people, so serious, so silly.
Enjoy what you have, for there are clouds
beyond the horizon, and you must
follow my lead. Swirl and dance.
Make the water move as I move.
The magick is in your legs to start a seaspin,
a tempestuous torment,
sandslide to the mud so all becomes one."

The water ballerina cries to the wind,
"I don't care if they don't hear me;
this dance will go on,
and the players don their roles in the breach.
I uphold this mansion and dance to my people
as they jump to the sea."

12.08.00
Brooklyn Day of the Poet