Oh Mama…
I have transgressed.
But I know, you throw as much
life into each beach
as death.
The intertidal zone
simply smells of you.
So where are we?
This silliness that surrounds—
nothing but a distraction
from your cues.
Where are we?
and why do we
decimate the very
breast we suckle from?
Oh Mama, if only
I knew how
to draw this next breath,
and not offend you.
I just spent twenty or so minutes
with the ladies, nine sisters
and cousins that have found
in this acreage a haven.
I am blessed that they allow me
to observe their ways, and learn.
Much of their world focuses
on listening. The way they
use their ears to tune in
to threats is astonishing.
But something else is going on
with the way they place their ears.
I just watched three traverse this field
with ears folded back, tight—
and it had nothing to do with hearing.
So yeah, I think we have a great deal
yet to learn.