The largest mammal in the world
Ceases to intimidate
When born anew in paper shape.
A godly mortal folded
Each fin, stout belly,
The candy-end tail.
He bent blue paper
Silencing song;
Two neat creases
And the animal is born.
Its earthly mother
Takes whale in hand,
And, rolling up the sleeves
Of her baptismal robe,
Rejoices in its coming:
“Kind paper beast —
Safe from spear’s point,
Desires of mankind,
Sea storm,
Ship’s hull,
The inexhaustible gull.”
And then, the prayer done,
The epitaph follows:
“My great paradox, my whale.
In a bathroom sink, filled,
The laws of paper and water
Usher in your soggy death
At this, your first sacrament.”