A Deep Choice
A poem by Patricia McCue

A Deep Choice

Carry me down to the furthest depth
of the largest ocean
Pressure building
Getting darker
Finally we land with a bounce

What creatures exist here
under the water’s weight?
My curiosity brought me here
Claustrophobia joins me
Not natural to be so far from light
yet creatures survive

I look for the sea cucumbers
For the anglerfish with glowing lures
on their heads
Aquatic miners, nowhere in sight
Maybe they are hiding
Or have struck gold

Imagine being born in darkness
Is there any joy?
Eyes adapted to low light
Do other senses grow stronger?
Safety from predators

If given a choice, space or here
I would forego the spectacular sights of space,
the extent of galaxies, awe-inspiring colors,
and the interminable silence

There must be remarkable sites here,
undiscovered, and sound
At least there is sound

About the Author:

Patricia McCue has been teaching middle school science for many years. Her writing has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as NSTA’s Science Scope. In her free time, she continues to study and play Traditional Irish Music on the fiddle.

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