Sea Creatures

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Decked out in my green rubber boots, I joined a friend for a walk to the shoreline, a new stretch of this island’s rugged coast. Following along the wooded path to the shore, the lush greenery feels like a hug from summer’s fullness. 

The path leads to the edge of a drop-off to the shore, where I gingerly take my next steps. Stepping over roots and small fallen trees, I take a final hop down. 

The tide is out, leaving behind a wide beach and exposing the sea’s creatures. For a few hours, mussels feel the air and sun or fog as available. Crabs scuttle about amongst all the stationary critters - mussels, periwinkles and spiny urchins. Mussels stand up like jagged rocks, gleaming black, contrasting with a few reddish-hued ones,

adding a little je ne sais quoi. Barnacles attach themselves, posing as cake

decorations. Periwinkles fill in any space like popcorn. Urchins’ sharp, needle-like spines brazenly warn to stay away. Waving seaweed fills in any gaps.

As serene and beautiful as the picture is, there is evidence all around of the smorgasbord the creatures provide for seagulls, eagles and other prey.

I wander onto a sandy bank and admire the pool of water warming in the sun. I’m struck with the realization that the tide’s rotational “in and out,” the ocean’s creatures above and below its waters continue as scheduled, unwatched and even forgotten in my day-to-day living, until I’m drawn to view, ponder and take in nature’s way, refreshing my soul once again.