Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Diane Funston


Swallowing Routine 


So imbedded with excess 

from daily news 

I step downstairs

fresh from sleep

creep toward the corner

reach out to open aquarium hinge....


I remember now

the Oscar fish has passed 


Then 

bubbling from the corner

a phantom eye protrudes

encased in a slimy skin

fins floating

gossamer lace

larger and larger it looms

a shadow over my skin

with a maw deep as sin

swallowing my routine




Downward Siphon


The siphon sucks the aquarium water

down into a waiting red plastic bucket

Algae liquid fills the container

as detritus from the bottom 

travels through coils of tubing—

tiny green riders of modern roller coasters.


After each full trough they empty

onto summer-thirsty roses and other beauties.

The waste of fauna becomes food for flora

in a cycle of giving and receiving

Plants stand taller and open after their elixir 

Fish swim with renewed vitality after replaced water


Gratitude comes in the growth of both recipients 

A wish here for the case of humanity

where too often 

one takes and doesn't give

and some starve 

for the measured growth of others 



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