the ocean

here everyone takes it for granted.
but i know, the great huge pacific
lurks behind the pretty houses and the good restaurants and 
yes,
even this university,
the ocean
where sea serpents and huge weird swimming things
can spring up
arc through the air
and yep, disappear into a dream.
i have only seen glimpses
except the window looks from the plane
dense, fecund, dark and so
beautiful.
maybe i will have 
the least little chance
to put my toes into
the cold salty richness.
~~~
first there was the country's center
where i took no pictures
then montana
or so says my iphoto




 and then the great blue thing
 no mistaking it for lake country

 i have a tiny dorm room
overlooking a parking lot
 i have two dear ones
now in the flesh
persons made real after being etherial 
dear jean and bryan
 and a bombing 
(yarn)
that took place in the student union.
the university of victoria
in the not so but still far away.
where i have the privilege to teach shifu
to amazing and talented students.