Rose, yellow, and verdant light

prances,

leaps from ocean surface,

swells.

 

Cobalt sky,

lightly brushed with

peach clouds.

Seagulls skim

above placid waters,

 

relentlessly fishing.

 

Stranded on wet, ochre sand

an upsidedown horseshoe crab,

decorated with barnacles,

a soldier pinned with medals

on his chest.

I roll him over,

gently place him

by surf’s edge.

 

Old horseshoe crab

feebly turns to sea,

patiently waits

for death to arrive.