Fish Gargoyle

The balcony of the Kaslo
Hotel has a spandrel painted
Like a large Kokanee salmon.

It’s 2D, not a gargoyle,
But something about it hints
At a monster’s curling sneer,

The bright fish leaping there,
Gift of the creator,
Bodies that carry life

Insist on bringing
Each package to death
Like a gift—Here’s life!