Low-Flying
Slowly the manta ray
Unfolds and undulates
Descending, like an eagle
Of the air, through
Updrafts of ocean water
What it seeks I cannot
See, because its urgencies
Are defined so differently
Fill hunger? Slake thirst
That, in water, I cannot
Apprehend?
Or fly for delight in flight,
Ripping, tearing through
Sea currents, even while
Negotiating their fury
Can I fly as slowly as the
Ray? Must I?
Two ways of asking this,
I know: Must I not? Must
I not?
May I? And, if so,
Will I?
How much of creatures’
Movements, I wonder,
Depend on will
clcouch123 
June 6, 2016 at 3:48 am
oh wooow! like a ‘flying’ manta ray, your poem flow fluidly until it reached the depth of its meaning. ❤
June 7, 2016 at 12:28 am
Depth of meaning. I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks! Your writing about fast-flying got me to think about flying slow. Yet again–Thanks!
June 7, 2016 at 2:00 am
I am honored my fast fly inspired such a moving piece. 🙂 Thank you!
June 7, 2016 at 2:09 am
Believe me, Rose, the pleasure and the promise were, and are, mine!
June 6, 2016 at 5:55 am
This was a delight to read! I must add it to the top of my favorites from you Christopher. I love the subtle analogies, the vivid metaphors and the striking imagery.
Negotiating their fury – was my favorite line!
Please enjoy a fabulous week ahead!
Dajena 🙂
June 7, 2016 at 12:31 am
I’m truly happy and thankful that you like this verse. I admit, how things move through water (even me) has always been a source of fascination. I must say I like that line, too. Currents might seem romantic, but they can be fierce. Yet nature’s creatures pass through (or with) them with strength and grace. Thanks specially for this response of yours, Dajena!–Christopher
June 8, 2016 at 6:32 pm
It is really like you say. What an intelligent being we worship. 🙂
Take care my friend!
June 6, 2016 at 10:13 pm
Love Manta Rays, they’re very beautiful in the water. My bro even got to pet some in Australia. Lovely poem. Sometimes things depend on will, but sometimes we haven’t got the will, or things are beyond our control.
I’m wondering if you would let me interview next month for an interview feature on my blog? Today I posted Jacqueline’s interview. I think your would be an interesting person to interview about writing, especially comiing from the teachers point of view. If you’re willing may I email you the questions? You can take as long as you need.
June 7, 2016 at 12:39 am
Wow, petting rays in Australia. How exotic is that! You’re right–will with us is not a certain thing. Sometimes the challenge is choice. Sometimes, as you say, it’s beyond our control.
I’d be glad to take part in the interview. If my take on things would be helpful, then so much the better. My e-mail address (if I haven’t shared it before) is clcouch17055@gmail.com (name and zipcode, nothing fancy). Please send the questions with any directions. Being in Jacqueline’s company–and yours, always–is impressive.
I’m watching the Stanley Cup. During the national anthem, I noticed the players were not singing. Do you think that’s because more of them know “O, Canada”?
Thanks!
June 7, 2016 at 12:51 am
Thanks Christopher I will get those questions to you tomorrow and like I said, take your time. I’m paying attention to the hockey game Team Crosby (the Penguins) are up by a goal. I’m cheering for them. You’d be surprised how many Canadians know the US anthem well. When we had playoffs in Edmonton in 2006 going to the last round, fans sang both countries anthems loudly and with proud. But you are probably right, I think many of them are Canadians players.
Talk to you soon 🙂
June 7, 2016 at 2:12 am
I look forward to responding to the questions. And, you’re right, I’m sure. Many Canadians know both songs–while I wonder how many USA-ers don’t know ours! Thank you for rooting for the fighting Penguins (such an odd, funny logo). Since growing up in Pittsburgh, I’ve been a fan.