Minnows Dart
by Diane Webster


The boy slaps a tree limb
on the lake’s surface
intending to kill
tiny minnows
darting near shore,
but they scatter like ripples
away…away…gone
like the inadequate stick
tossed as far as boy power
ripples, sinks, floats
in singular taunting gesture
like returning minnows
seen but untouched.






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