Ocean Dream

I was in a canoe drifting on the ocean
under stars reflected off mirrored water
barely disturbed by the rhythmic ripples
keeping cadence with my thoughts

Then I was riding a mannequin— face down
in the brine— fish pale under the moonlight
nearly losing my balance I lay down
matching its pose— arms out legs stiff

Body still and quiet except for the brush
of salty water against raw wrinkled skin
unblinking eyes watch the shadows of clouds
slide along the sand below the waves

(for Sammi Cox’s Mannequin prompt and the Living Poetry Musical prompt. Have a listen while reading the poem.)