Portrait of the Artist as an Eel

Eel and Red Mullet. Edouard Manet. Date: 1864 – Paris, France – Public Domain

 

Portrait of the Artist as an Eel

Written by: Diamond Daber

I am the long dog of the overhang,
measured in men’s thighs,
ungraspable.
And it is true that I have kissed a snake.

In some places they have crowned me with gold,
filled my ponds with wine,
prayed me up fat.
In other places they have known better. 

I engendered myself from my own muck,
or so they have said,
those who watch me,
those who will never know my still, strange bed.

I have wandered wet nights on my belly,
stolen small sweet peas,
stolen daughters.
Kind men have made me ladders to get home.

You know, one day I’ll just leave this place,
hauled by blood and stars,
at last grasped.

I will fill the sea with ribbons of glass.