tempered fish
who once
were minding
their own business
as placid blades
of bluish silver
foraging in
brackish water—
but who now
lie splayed
out end-
to-end inside
this golden
pull-tab can:
it's a shame about
your heads, but
do you really
even miss them?
I used to think
I would
for sure. But
I don't seem to
know anymore.