I brought you, a dolphin
into the story—those
squeaks and trills filled
my mind, words like ripples

appeared on the screen,
formed sentences in their
wake…but then I thought
of the fish netting news

and now I beseech you—
save yourself, move
to the margins, just
leave the screen. My mind

is caught up in this netting
theme—thoughts guided
down fishing line to
my hooked, barbed fingers

flopping out your fate—
beware…the net is near.

Richard Matta is active in San Diego poetry circles when not catering to his golden-doodle dog’s every whim. He grew up in New York’s rustic Hudson Valley, attended Notre Dame, and midwest winters explain why he lives in California.