In Water
the alligator
floats just like we do, feet
dangling towards silt, eyes
steady just above the surface.
We both pass life like this,
enjoying whatever warmth
we can find, fully aware
winter is going to ease in
one day soon and deep mud
will offer our only true home.
About the artist
Jack B. Bedell is Professor of English and Coordinator of Creative Writing at Southeastern Louisiana University where he also edits Louisiana Literature and directs the Louisiana Literature Press. Jack’s work has appeared in HAD, Heavy Feather, Hawkeye, The Shore, Stone Circle, Psaltery & Lyre, trampset, Some Words and other journals. His work has also been selected for inclusion in Best Microfiction and Best Spiritual Literature. His latest collection is Fight Nights (Blue Horse Press, 2025). He served as Louisiana Poet Laureate 2017-2019.
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