Sea Turtles

A foggy night just tip-toes in Like a whisper on a cloud. And the haloed harbor lights above Warmly welcome the sparse inlet crowd. The briney salt air softly beckons me To heed the seagulls' caw My flip-flops rhythmically click and clack Toward this Cinderella's ball. My quest draws near so I slow down my pace Aching toes sinking deep in the sand Flip flops abandoned just like my cares Nature's therapy right here where I stand. I advance with caution, a wallflower I At a party where I'm neither asked nor desired So I make a small nest in the dunes out of sight Heart racing, face flushed, voyeur wired. And my wait for the show is not long at all As they slowly emerge from the sea Shells glistening wet, reflecting moon's glow Each determined to fulfill destiny. Their faces, though lined and cracked from the sea Show dignity and wisdom and duty And I think to myself there is nothing on earth That can rival a sea turtle's beauty. Together they stride, though they're built more to swim And the sand feels like walking through tar But the trek is an instinct, an honor, a rite Each participant a humble star. At last they reach an unmarked goal And they pirate away tiny treasure They tuck each one in with a warm layer of sand Their faces betraying no pleasure. Then each of these queens, neck extended, head high, Must to return to her watery base. And I thank my God for a glimpse of His work In this model of beauty and grace. February 14, 2017