Steep Ravine

Lichen-covered rocks near Greens Beach, Tasmania. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Between sagebrush and the lichened rocks,
a covey of quail employ themselves.

Light disperses in the spray, and a seal
ducks under again. Home for them.

Swell and curl, the untrained wave
trains under lunar pull. Few things

outreach the power of touch.

Left out,
supreme in its trouble and possessiveness,

a human observes its shadow
lengthening across the surf. In this commotion, does it

too have a natural place — and the tide

pushes then drags a lumpy shampoo
over a collection of broken teeth.