I was struck by the latest bad news concerning the Southern Resident Killer Whales: the presumed death of J2, also known as Granny. Likely over 100 years old, she was the matriarch of J Pod for decades. I don’t usually write poetry but have found that it helps express complex but brief feelings and thoughts. So here is some imagery evoked by the loss of Granny:
J2
A world is lost with you
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“Orcinus orca“
“From the underworld”
(An underworld that is heaven to me)
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Queen of the Sound
The Strait
The sea coast
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Glaucus sparkle
emerald and iron
spring nights, stars above and below
Noctiluca scintillating
Forests of firs and kelp
Barriers of stone, pebble interfaces
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An audience is enraptured
Captivated
Family following your lead
And your wisdom
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You have descended into the silence between songs
A symphony diminished
Is there a greater silence still?
Or a crescendo?
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Terrifyingly
It was never up to you
It’s a question we answer
It always is
The Portal 