Mollusk holes
burst like the sizzle
of morning bacon to mar
a smoothness that was there
a moment ago
The colony of Periwinkle
panics in its exposure,
strains indelicate tentacles
to dig back under, away
from limicolous beak
while the husks of the others
float then settle, settle, float
their beauty splayed, enhanced
in death. The shells are butterflies
around my ankles.
Tidewater rushes back, unquelled
no mere echo of yesterday
but reaching further
than what is expected
My feet suck into ancient sediment
I want to kneel upon this history
My choice is to strain or move
with creature surrender
I lie on the surgically smooth sand
waiting to be pounded and swirled
dismembered. I remember
the beginning, the now, and the end