Congratulations follow in your wake

Like tropical fish on parade to greet

A passing snorkeller, swept off her feet

By waves of flitting fins outstretched to shake

Her hand and glisten with her ring—but make

Way! New arrivals tread the tide to meet

With her and pay their social dues. Repeat

Until she knows everyone knows. I take

My turn and sink into the tidal gloom

Past memories of dying coral reefs

And sea anemones that will not bloom

Now. They did last year, but I was a thief

In my own mind and stored those all away

Behind a door marked X barred shut today.