Ode to the Copper River Salmon

Copper River salmon
brave and swimming out
early spring, gleaming

silver and flecked, on a

quest, flashing in blue

waters, swimming out of

the ocean on a quest

headlong and upstream

between glaciers, around

waterfalls for a 300-mile

journey to spawn in the

Copper River after riding

the crests and troughs of

waves, watching spindrift

of glitter and sparkles

that melt into the sun.

Glorious sunset
of your flesh in crimson
and roses, rich with
omega-3 fatty acids,
muscular, plump, buttery
and unguent with oils.

Copper River salmon

meant for a feast of sushi,

or glazed with honey
brown sugar, pan-seared,

or herbed with chervil and

citrus, cedar planked,

or served as blueberry

gravlax.

King of salmons, nay — 
let us call you emperor of

salmons and crown you if

we could.
For thousands of years,

and still now, indigenous

people seek you out.
Once explorers put up

sails to go into unknown

waters and reach Pacific

shores, and you became a

fish of lore.

Copper River salmon,

largest and most

nutritious of all
you swim wild and free
and try to find the

happiness in things

knowing you’ll serve your

purpose
and die after you spawn.

Or perhaps one day you’ll

know the net and catch of

the fisherman.
You’ll be hoisted in the air,

all your memories will

meet the moment when

you’ll be held and loved

like something prized.

MSC Copper River Sockeye Salmon

Shop

Wild Copper River King Salmon - skin-on, boneless, 4 oz portions (6)

Shop

Wild Copper River Sockeye Salmon - skin-on, boneless portions

Shop