By The Shore

Waves gulp, and splutter onto rock

As water spills over the natural jagged stone-dams,

Forming paracosms; miniature kingdoms

in the small pools below.

But once the tide recedes, the tether between sea and pool is severed,

Exiling those left behind.

The busy crab hurries in its sideways fashion,

And the seaweed dances along with the rhythm of the water.

Nervous fish remain trapped (until the tide returns),

whilst the patient limpets wait, concealed.

The great ocean inches away until it vanishes, and those who were left behind

Are now left as temporary Kings of a much smaller domain.