watercide

driven to the very edge
where
curb
parking meter
fence
all work in concert
to stop my final progress
over the bulkhead
into the harbor
I notice shafts of sunlight
varying in intensity
penciling down from the sky
on those more fortunate
than myself

While others bathe in warmth
I contemplate a dive
into freezing liquid
then under the ice

seabirds watch
from their creosote perches

I surface
through a hole
in the ice
thoroughly wet
completely chilled

one bird hops down
poops on my head

a well-wishing passerby
a photographer
pulls me out
then snaps a picture
for our local paper
thinking he has done
a great deed

I stand there shaking
the lucky victim
once again