Catfish

the skin around my fingers

scaled off, like they were

on those catfish at the market

it jumped at me, at full speed

they were all captured in a basket

with little to no water

they wish death comes a little quicker

all the muscle tensed up

for a final jump, if they could

get out of this lump, maybe

the ocean is right next to them

maybe, they won’t be eaten or killed

“a leap of faith, this won’t be my last day”

plop..

the fish tried to wiggle its way

on the hard concrete

it must have hit the head when it lands

the fish lady picked it up with one hand

another holding a knife, a customer pointed

at the jumper, and said “I want that, but alive.”

Quickly made my way out of the market

held my grandma’s arm, I felt distressed

the fish will be okay, right grandma?

he couldn’t live on land, that’s why

she was rescuing it, right?

if my skin is peeling off

will I get a new one?

t.l.