Rock pools

Ever noticed how in its daily cycle the retreating sea leaves little oases of life? The hard dry sun-baked rock that seems lifeless turns out to hold many little water gardens that have a beauty unexpected in such an environment. Plants and fish, small crustaceans and rock-hugging shellfish find shelter from the ebb and flow of life in the tidal zone. In turn they shelter from the crashing waves in their crevices, only to be left in peace as the life giving sea retreats leaving glass clear pools that seem too perfect to believe. Then there are anemones. Little creatures that harden their grip around prodding fingers. They open and close tentacles in the hope of catching a small straying fish or other morsel only to be fooled by playful children and adults testing their memory of earlier days. How would it be to live in such a pool and rely on what the waves bring past, to not have to strive so hard but allow what will be to be? And then to rejoice in the tide’s return and the welcome cover the waves bring until another day.