by Mia P., 17 (she/they)
Turritopsis dohrnii, also known as the immortal jellyfish, is a species of small, biologically immortal jellyfish found worldwide in temperate to tropic waters. It is one of the few known cases of animals capable of reverting completely to a sexually immature, colonial stage [polyp] after having reached sexual maturity as a solitary individual [medusa] [when threatened or starving.]
at larvae
to polyp
then medusa
fully grown fringe dangle
stringing through arabesque lines
desolate bells bubble
freely flowing among fluorescent fish
the jaw of a turtle
locks onto my head
and forces me to the solace of the ocean floor
hydrostatic pressure keeps me still
i become sediment
rotten coral
breaking
unable to feel
the deconstruction of my cells
i wash away
the look of decaying cassiterite eyes
watching free figures pass by
the current wants to take me
but i am safe here
larvae
polyp
medusa
again and again
Minnesota
Bridge Ink 