11 - Animal

For today’s prompt, write an animal poem. A poem that is either about an animal, involves an animal, or is from an animal’s perspective. Your choice.

My fish, Sheryl, is taking a long time to die.
She has been growing more pale
and has positioned herself under the pond waterfall
where she just stays.
Her tumor hasn't grown
but my friend said he noticed
"a far away look in her eyes."

I've noticed that too.

Is that suffering?
Is this long drift into death suffering?
Is it more merciful to have him
cut her head off as he said was best

or, under the bubbles there,
in the morning or day or night
is there something of this
tiny living
that should be fought for
for as long as it can be fought for

a small current under the body
that is good
that is hers
that is life.