Baluga

We don’t know how long it takes

for a whale to fall—we don’t

even know when it falls feast.

I wondered how long before this

when I sat at the kid’s table.

A table setup as a craft centre

at my daughter’s birthday party.

I opened the colouring book, alone

I just sat there and coloured.

Little faces eventually peer over

my shoulders—curious cats.

My legs all crunched up

on a little chair, side saddle

I’m down to their level,

a level I’m so accustom too.

I don’t color in the lines,

I draw patterns on the images.

Circles, squares, lines, and tartans.

Intrigued all the children sat with me,

at least ten and quietly opened books,

hungry watching , a school of minnows

picnicking on the spoil.