Tidal Relics

To see the beach fall dry, brought 

the promise of new territory calling 

for time-restricted exploration.

Between meandering veins and 

arteries, I move about on grounds 

that first fell open at the age of 

seven with findings that are now 

returned to their original owner, who 

gratefully reclaims what he never lost:

mermaid's purses, pebbles, drift

wood, shells (of course), sharks' teeth -

all handed down through time that

now, here, briefly holds still at mid-life,

to have us find that we must savor 

curiosity before the tide comes in again.