Sally Bliumis-Dunn: Sea Turtles Mating

His under shell, concave,
makes it easy to lock on;
we watch from the boat,
 
the island of volcanic ruff
in jagged silhouette behind us.
 
They push through water
like a plough
through weighty snow,
 
he, mostly still; she
paddles them along,
sometimes a full six hours
till he slides off.

To be amazed at her luck
or pity her trials--- 

I look for signs
and see none,
her hooked mouth,

closed, her green eyes
unchanging.

From Echolocation published by MadHat Press/Plume Editions. Copyright 2018 Sally Bliumis-Dunn.