Thought-Spinning for Whales

Thought-circles spinning
Across restlessly pitching
Blue-black waters.
Streaming further, further
In silent invitation.

Mundane tourist boat
Sailing last routine course
Passengered sparsely
On a cold, dreary day.

Thought circles growing
Float over the fathoms –
Invitation to come
Acknowledging our ties.

Huge humpbacks  respond,
Too many to count:
Giant heads leap
From dark quiet depths,
Huge flippers slam with
Power and  joy

Ongoing brutality
By my generations,
Yet heirs to this cruelty
Answer my call.

Mother and infant
Cuddle close to the boat.
Acceptance and  wisdom
In large watchful eyes.

Who is evolved?
Which has a soul?

Why does a mother,
Quiet and calm,
Watch as her baby
Repeatedly struggles,
Stretching and straining
Toward humanity’s hand?