Seashells as Sandbags
by Jangar Tokpa
It’s inside the hum of the seashells
where I am safe.
I dance with the ocean,
the tide greets me as a friend,
the swash soothes my aching feet.
I think I am still dancing.
I can't feel anything.
Just hear the soft hum,
feel the subtle buzz.
In death I display ecstasy.
Play the discography of my life.
Listen for the hums.
Perhaps this is my rebirth.
That would give reason for
celebration, song, and dance.
As I’m still dancing
the ocean goes still.
It's like she's watching me.
Waiting for me to dance into her mouth.
She wants me to drown.
I want to drown.
Does porcelain sink?
I will take my seashells with me.
They will weigh me down,
and I will listen to the hum.
where I am safe.
I dance with the ocean,
the tide greets me as a friend,
the swash soothes my aching feet.
I think I am still dancing.
I can't feel anything.
Just hear the soft hum,
feel the subtle buzz.
In death I display ecstasy.
Play the discography of my life.
Listen for the hums.
Perhaps this is my rebirth.
That would give reason for
celebration, song, and dance.
As I’m still dancing
the ocean goes still.
It's like she's watching me.
Waiting for me to dance into her mouth.
She wants me to drown.
I want to drown.
Does porcelain sink?
I will take my seashells with me.
They will weigh me down,
and I will listen to the hum.
Jangar Tokpa is a poet from Plymouth, Minnesota. They are currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at the University of Arizona. Jangar is inspired by nature and often explores how human experiences can be displayed through the natural world.