you fit into me
like a hook into an eye
a fish hook
an open eye
—Margaret Atwood, 'You Fit Into Me'
--
If she were an animal, she would be a fish. A smooth swimming fish, with silver scales that tinge rose and jade in the sunlight, and fins that flash through the water like knives. She would have a slim body that moves like lightning and clear wide eyes that need never blink and miss a moment. All day she would fly through the oceans, traveling until she reaches the shadow that his boat casts upon his water, where all of the other fish flock, because he draws them with his delicious bait.
If she were an animal, she would be a fish.
If he were a normal man, he would be a fisherman. Every morning he would go out in his little boat upon the waves and bait his hook, waiting for the loveliest fish to come along, even though many clamor around him, wanting to be the one that he chooses, because they think it is a good thing. And then, when that one fish comes, he will lower his rod and feel the tug and that night there will be dinner.
If he were a normal man, he would be a fisherman.
--
(he will be the death of her)