Poetry from the 2006 Pier Fishing In California Poetry Contest
The King by Daniel P. Neal/Orkspace — 1st Place Winner
Beneath the swirling tides there waits a king.
His palace gardens filled with kelp of green.
Supplicants prostrate and fill waiting wings
To bring tribute, else meet his teeth so keen.
At a signal, his honor-beggars bring
Tithes forward, or with his hunger be seen.
Leading the masses, batray's stabbing sting,
Barr'd perch from the waves, with bronze armor sheen,
Anemones on rocks tremble and cling,
Then parades of rockfish entered the scene.
Drums of the croakers, through his halls did ring,
Maiden cabezon, offer'd as his queen.
Gold hooks through his lips, King Lingcod awaits
For your offering, be it lure or bait.
