Stingray Poem by Juan Olivarez

Elvira is wading in the bay,
Just enjoying the breeze,
And the sun,
And the warm gulf water.
I smile at her,
From the jetties,
And cast my line,
Hoping for a big red fish.
No bites today.
Nothing at all.
I reel in my bait,
All is well, I cast again,
Over the third pylon.
I turn to look for Elvira,
And she is gone.
I scan the shoreline,
And there she is,
Sitting on a piece of driftwood.
Something is wrong, I can feel it.
I run down along the slippery jetties,
And make my way to her.
She is crying.
I ask what is wrong,
And she shows me her foot.
There is a large hole,
On her arch.
Almost a half inch across.
STINGRAY.
Down to the Mariners clinic we go.
One big ole shot of morphine.
And Elvira actually said,
Can I have one to go?
Now that fool woman,
Wants to go dancing.


(7/21/11-Alton Texas)