The Goldfish | Teen Ink

The Goldfish MAG

April 16, 2009
By Melissa Kleinert BRONZE, Wexford, Pennsylvania
Melissa Kleinert BRONZE, Wexford, Pennsylvania
2 articles 0 photos 6 comments

The steak knife's blade
screams, as it fails to pop
the bubble encompassing
this small town, where
I wander the streets like a goldfish
lost in its fishbowl.

I despise plastic seaweed,
whose inability to change frightens me
more than grinning great white sharks,
gracefully traveling the seas.

I have only experienced the taste of salt water in
small doses, teasing my tongue, and I long
for the wailing fire alarm my eyes send out
when salt water tickles them
every day of my life.

I don't need a diving board to jump into
the ocean – not a blink, not a word, just
a seamless transition: a sole piece
of paper, afloat, holds the key
for little goldfish lost to find its way to the sea.



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This article has 4 comments.


on Jul. 30 2010 at 10:34 pm
ramnapotter PLATINUM, Toronto, Other
26 articles 1 photo 90 comments

Favorite Quote:
“Write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow...”

ditto for me . [:

on Jun. 1 2009 at 11:19 pm
Melissa Kleinert BRONZE, Wexford, Pennsylvania
2 articles 0 photos 6 comments
This poem is about the experiences I've had outside of my hometown on various trips, and how I long for the happiness I've felt on those adventures everyday. I'm also more afraid of the little things in life, as opposed to the big things, and the ending is about how I am more than ready for college. Thanks for the comment! But when read how I intended it to be read, it doesn't feel clunky; or maybe it does, but everything there is how I want it. And thanks KC! [:

PoetGenius said...
on May. 28 2009 at 9:01 pm
The first stanzas were really good, but it got a little clunky at the end. But it's a beautiful poem, overall. Is this talking about how going away to college frees you? Or am I off?

Kathleen E. said...
on Apr. 29 2009 at 2:51 pm
Melissa, you are amazing at poetry! I'm so glad you posted this. It's so deep and I love the eloquence of your language.