for Peg R.

By Carolyn Muchhala

For centuries gray whales
came to the lagoon to birth their young.
They bonded with their calves undisturbed.

The young matured, were taught within the pod,  
preparing for the annual migration north until
whalers discovered the breeding grounds, killed
the calves and decimated the devil fish, 
mothers that rammed their boats.
			
Today in San Ignacio Lagoon, a gray
surfaces near the skiff. One unblinking eye 
fastens on the woman who returns its gaze. 

The whale breaks eye contact, nudges
her calf closer to the skiff, close to 
the woman who reaches out slowly,  
to place a hand on the young whale.
The gray holds the woman
in her line of vision.

They rock together in the gentle waves,
			in a forgiving silence.