I stare at the sardines that perched upright

glistening against the rusted metal walls.

Earthquake. Earthquake.

I watch as they foolishly flop over,

the oil drenching the white rice, a mush.

Slowing dripping through the walls

and staining my fingers, a slippery mess.

Stab. Jab.

Sharply piercing through the invisible heart,

rubber-like gills and skin rubbing away,

black goo hardening in the bubbling yellow.

I scooped up the pale flesh,

an ugly screech as I dragged it up the walls,

a fishy smell permeated beyond the metal.

Ew. Ew.

The smell attacked the girl with the golden curls

choking her senses once again,

drumming her fingers on her pink strap

as if giving me one last chance.

Tap. Tap.

I watch the sardines tumble down

a sacrifice for my own redemption.

Sliding down the black plastic

and mixing with a rotten banana peel

sinking into a pool of red.

I looked into the trash bag one last time,

flies and mold filling my lungs

as I retreated back to my seat.

I hid my secret deep beneath the oil,

But sardines were my favorite,

warmed with rice.