Time and the Ragworm

John Kefala-Kerr

Ragworms possess a complex biological clock system of circadian, tidal

and lunar-day cycles that synchronise foraging and seasonal reproduction.

Sensor’s bristling, a water nymph

(virgin still, in chiffon skin,

afraid to eat for fear she’s eaten)

appeases her species’ superstitions

with a demure curl of her fillet-body.

Admiring herself, and knowing better

the time of day than either you or I,

and of night, and month too, and even

of life itself (for she has not yet found love),

she leaves her seabed hide in search of food.

Swim me and I shall be swum, she sings.

Breathe me and so shall I be, she cries,

addressing that myth which says size

is no protection against a gluttonous tern,

and petite Cinderellas are guaranteed

a Prince Charming to carry them off

—over the tide’s bell-curve—

to a place where, brushed like a comb,

their blue-veined bodies will attract

more than mere paper and balloons.

JOHN KEFALA-KERR is a British–Greek composer, sound artist and writer. His poems have been published by Arachne Press, Live Canon and Magma Poetry. John’s pamphlet, FRAY, is due to be published in 2026 by Black Cat Poetry Press. John is an Associate Artist at An Tobar and Mull Theatre.