Cyanide of the Sea

By Taara Bailur

Deep down, in a vast, blue paradise, 

Where the salty water burns tongues. 

There is a fish,

Flapping its flaxen fins.

Rapidly. 

Diverse, brilliantly coloured bushes of coral towering over him, 

Swaying ever so slightly,

Whilst the busy fish move speedily, 

Almost creating a waterspout.

The lost yellow fish spins, 

Confused, alone, yet curious.

Not faraway, 

There is a little poisonous piece of plastic, 

A pearl in the middle of a void.

Is it food? Coral? Another fish?

The fish approaches with caution.

Looks as tasty as plankton,

The delectable yet miniscule creature. 

Drooling now,  

He is about to nibble,

When he notices another fish,

Old and wise

Looking at him fearfully,

With his admonitory eyes, 

Yet not saying anything.

The fish bites it.

Tastes good.

Its sharpness was like swallowing a cheese-grater,

Scratching every part of his small throat. 

Bites more.

This time, releasing a tangy taste,

Like biting into a fresh lemon. 

The taste never left his tongue,

Stayed till the end of his life.

His very short life.

Illustration by Shriya Srinivasan: