Sea Mammals

Manatees (AKA “sea cows”)
are favored for their cuddly bulk. Orcas
get a viral reputation for gang
action. Big whales are everybody’s
best mystical gymnasts, dolphins
sexy slick bobbers. Seals reek up
beaches and docks but damn,
they’re cute as hell. Sea otters
rock and carry rocks, lie around
floating handsomely.  We want them
all working hard to make us feel 
connected to something larger
than ourselves, our puny little
destroyer selves, and if they don’t
we’ll flutter our left hands in dismay
as our right hands snuff them out.