TIDEPOOL

crouched precariously on

the rough stone

balanced in rubber flipflops

toes damp and sandy

peering into an exotic world

hermit crabs and starfish

anemones and seaweed

on colorful display

the water rolls in

and a small fish appears

darting in search of an exit

caught until the tide rises

endlessly fascinating

to the young girl watching

as the girl is fascinating

to her mother watching

hoping to stem time’s tide

certain to arrive presently

freshening the warm air

with its cool current

changing the picture

rearranging the elements

each time the water recedes

an altered perspective