Water Study: Koi

COHORT 5

Light rain over the 

        ocean and a plastic-lined 

canal of sleek carp.

Gauzy fins and mouths

        opening and closing, they

wanted and wanted.

In and out, bodies

        merging together, waver

of dappled gold scales

over the surface-

        every movement an act of 

disappearance. Then,

let it be a pond

        in Japan, backyard garden

in California-

the koi circling

        languidly, water airy 

and light-filled as 

a Hockney painting.

        Their gasping mouths like diving

bells in their hunger.

Flash of gold, vibrant 

        stilled suns, like something lost and

gained within the hour.

Writing: Eliza Browning

Music: Stephanie Yen

Art: Helen Mak