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of the open ocean. what are the chances
that the dark devilray we have imagined, once belly up,
is actually the Mobula
who do not choose their color scheme.
(imagine a deadly stinging spine,
but then remember that the Mobula have none.)

this fear is also
as usual.

natural assimilation is slow,
often motivated by trauma to a species,
but for now, despite the interior decorator’s advice,
the looming black coat remains.
but be reminded that most of space is dark,
that ninety-percent of the ocean
remains in the twilight zone,
that the fishermen at the surface
are not usual, rather, they are the predator:
the children peering over the edge of the boat,
still afraid of the dark.

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