
The Lobsters – fantasy poem
About the poem: “The Lobsters” is both a fantasy poem and fantasy fiction – and tells the wistful story of a recurring thought and desire I’ve had for years – to buy one or two lobsters and set them free in the sea. Sort of a gift back to nature and life for all the sea has given us. It is a story of joy and renewal – for good deeds are never forgotten. A truly uplifting fantasy poem with a bit of humor, besides.
The Lobsters – fantasy poem
copyright 2013 by jon gutmacher
She saw the lobster in the store
she bought that one
and bought three more
a special dinner had she planned
for some of her special friends
Their claws were tied
their shells were red
they’d taste so good
the clerk had said
and took them home
to cook them good
with butter on the side
But when she put them near the stove
a gourmet delicacy
a treasure trove
she looked at them
and they looked back
and a sadness overwhelmed
Their little feelers twitched and swayed
they looked at her
they were afraid
and suddenly she had an urge
to set them free that day
She took a knife and cut the string
that bound their claws
they seemed to sing
and she could hear what no other could
for they sang that they might be free
And put them in a tub right then
they clattered round
she’d become their friend
and then
an amazing thing did see
as each one clawed the air
It was, as if, a deep salute
no longer food
and free, to boot
and she made a call
to rent a boat
so she could set them free, at last
And to the seashore did she go
with tub of lobsters
four in tow
and set them down
upon the deck
while the captain looked askew
“What do you, Miss, intend to do?
“with lobsters four on ocean blue?
“You’ll set them free? Are you alright?
“ They’d make a great dinner – to serve tonight!
She looked at him
and then replied:
“I’d rather starve . . . keep them alive
“They’ve looked at me – and I’ve looked back
“and I know I must set them free
And so he took her out to sea
and by an island
set them free
they disappeared beneath the waves
all four of them at last
were saved
And as the boat turned back to shore
she thought she heard
and the captain swore:
A clicking noise
came from the sea
as lobsters four
gave thanks to she
Now every year
she rents a boat
and navigates to spot remote
and waits a while
in the sea
and then it happens . . . suddenly
Then, all of them
the four she saved
come up from depths
and through the waves
and look at her
and click their claws
and feelers wave
their lives in store
For creatures great
and creatures small
all have a life
and something more
and even humble
can still deserve
a second chance
a lesson learned
Now lobsters neath the Azure Sea
remember her
and what might be
and await the day
til she returns
to thank her
once again
The background image shows a remote and beautiful area in an ocean of azure clear water. A perfect spot away from it all.