August 5–11 ❘ For Corianton

For Corianton

To be a seagull—
to waddle over wet shore
and scavenge and cry and soar and bob
as tide erases all transient,
three-toed footprints—

is not for you. You can’t be happy
living by whim of appetite or plunder
nor can you embody sand
that hourly shivers and drifts
beneath water and wind.

You were chosen as sharp-eyed
beachcomber—to pick through litter
and uncover hidden treasures—
to discern translucent edge of sea agate
from brittle, bleached shell or bird feather—

to witness sun melt into ocean at night
and rise again glorious in the morning.

• Read more of my poetry at www.facebook.com/latterdaysaintpoetry

• Contact me at merrijane.rice@gmail.com