“Carp and Piranha” by Ian Willey


Not knowing the difference
between carp and piranha
I was sure my life was over
when I tumbled into the water
and the fish surrounded me
mouths agape but dad’s arm
came down like an anaconda
and lifted me dripping to the bank
where I stood amazed my limbs
were still there minus one shoe
which fell off in the commotion
and dad was about to trudge in
to get it but I grabbed his arm
with the strength of an anaconda
because I still didn’t know the difference
between carp and piranha.


Ian Willey is a sociolinguist residing in the inland sea area of Japan. His poems have been published here and there and a few have received some recognition.