after Jonathas de Andrade

When a man traps a fish he removes the hook from its side and once it has beaten its fright into the wooden boat with its strongest slaps he will clutch the fish to his chest and hold it as it struggles he will hold it in the tender air He will hold its tail as if it were his dance partner’s waist and gaze into the fish’s face for many minutes

When a man seizes a fish, he soothes it caresses its whole body tip to tip while it thrashes bloody against his bare chest He will clasp the fish with one hand like a newborn and hush its gasping with the other With love he will tuck it under his chin so he can feel its heartbeat in the insistent heat that hangs above the water

Remember: when a man captures a fish he will seduce it while he slaughters it the strength of his love can’t be simulated the sound of the green water can’t be simulated he will kiss the wheezing gills his kisses can’t be simulated he will hold it as it struggles that little death he will hold it in the tender air