Fishhooks

The fishhooks
of make-believe
are set in your cheek
and a strong pull
from the fisherman
will pull you from the deep.

On the beach,
you will twist and
struggle to breathe –
death by the club
fulfills the fisherman’s need.

While he feasts,
remember to make beliefs,
whisper your claims
into the soup pot’s steam.

Speak of old glories
from that blackest, swirling sea.
Pretend you didn’t bite
the first hook that
appeared to gleam.

You went from the angler fish
to the Angler’s dish,
without regard for
the dangers of the sea.

©️ 2020.