I Guess, She’s Listening?

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.

Show me your white tail, dear

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.