The Toe Nibblers Poem by Mark Nichols

Go to a land beyond the river
Because life is hard
But not as hard as before
Never again
Swim into sea of darkness
Swim deep into it

Dog paddle of ignorance
Afraid but head out
Salt lap tongue
Salty big

Towering mountains to the side
Slide into black crack
Don't look down
For Atlantis below
Sea pyramids & mermaids
I laugh quick
No
Then
A billion year old monster
Nibbles at my toes

Afraid I swim faster
Dark shadow slides under me
fish flying overhead
Demons
Dead sailor teeth
Lodged in a rotten board
Float by
Moon mocks by baking toe-less body