The Native Fish Of Meeanjin -Olly Poem by Olly And Molly T

The stonefish had spines
And poison so potent.
I had pinned my hand
To your rugged back.
The offense left me ill
And I walked off bitter.

Spiny crayfish with open weapons
But I only knew of poison,
So I let myself into the claws.
Flesh pinched off and spat out
Slowly I wasn't eaten, picked apart
Till I let you take more prey

Lungfish are predatory, ordinary.
I thought your sight and fear of
Ocean predators would make us same.
The sweet taste you had
Was the love of the hunt.
Once analysed, the joy voided

Stout whiting hunt small prey
And I let myself float by
As a worm, an ideal target
To have myself be eaten
They say if I'm cut in half
I'll grow back the same

Red decorator crabs are rigid
Despite the fun flair.
Dreamt in coral on your back.
You couldn't leave hungry
My behaviours were pet-like
Just livestock was all

Blanket octopus, smart, rarely float
By the shores where I remain.
Your colours had me tranced
And you danced with me briefly.
Arms spread, so many talents
I yearned to be yours

Sea whispers, that you sought
For a prey like me for weeks.
Yet time spent where you couldn't.
Shores are unkind to the deep.
I loved to watch your webs shimmer
Seeking to be your sustenance.