Maine Moments
Granite rocks, crashing waves
tide pools and sweeps of sand
craggy Maine landscapes
concealed in frequent fog
Crouched on the dock, flashlight
spots millions of just-born lobsters
smaller than a fingernail, phosphorus green
seeking cover, building shells from scratch
Walking vast mud flats at low tide
a fragile-shelled, inch-long crab
raises tiny claws in defiant warning
laughing, respectfully, I give way
Tide pools fill at high tide, protecting creatures
cramped hermit crab seeks a bigger shell
barnacles wave tendrils for invisible food
tiny shrimp scoot sideways faster than fast
The smell of the sea in my nostrils
brackish seaweed high on the beach
sand fleas jump when disturbed
into my socks and tickle.
