Closer to Sealife Than Mammals

In the ebbing tide's wet shadow,
Standing barefoot on the strand,
I perceive the suck of out-rushing water
Pulling my toes into mud.
These fat little nubs - closer to sea life than mammals,
With snail or tortoise shells on their backs -
Or like the tiny clams
Burrowing below the sand
To avoid following the waves out,
These periwinkles dive under the surface.
Rather than the natural inclination
To counter the force that pulls me -
Just like I lean into a gale to plant myself
More firmly against wind currents -
Instead this time I side with the pull of tides
That is anchoring my feet,
And let it take me deeper into this primordial goo.
I feel the quiver of life underfoot with surprise,
Much as the awed young surgeon
Who first holds a beating heart in his hands.
With the soles of my feet I am palpating a pulse
And I am struck by wonder:
I must be standing on the heartbeat of the world.