Boats bob like ducks
above the dam for hours,
          waiting.

Flashy red speed boats with
bikini-clad babes rock between
john boats with trolling motors
and wells full of walleye, and
houseboat renters sipping cocktails,
          anticipating.

Someone yells green. A motor growls.
Eyes focus on the gate mouth
opening sideways, slowly offering
a thin strip of shimmering liquid
between high concrete walls,
          beckoning.

Like water spiders, watercraft
jockey for position, entering
the cage to wait for lock handlers
to drop leashes to hold them in place.
Gaping jaws whine, snap shut,
          enclosing.

Emerging darkened wet wall grows
as painted numbers count down feet.
Wet ropes slip through tense fingers.
Descent stops. The other jaw opens.
A green light lets loose the beasts,
          escaping.