Round Ray

The small round ray flounders
at the end of my line
and all the way up the beach
leaving a trail in the sand up to my naked feet
I'm disapointed because I have no more hooks
so cannot affort to cut the line
looking at its tail flipping violently
I remember the sharp painful sting
but as of yet I have caught no fish
so I place a flat piece of driftwood
on top of the rays body and tail
leaving exposed only the mouth
and carefully with my fingers
grab hold of the hook
it gives but not without some effort
followed by running blood
the ray makes a sound like a cough
and spits up more blood
I feel a slight pang of guilt
as I push it back into the surf