The Only Constant

Once up the short and rocky beach 
we slipped and scented across the  cold stone field 
to the seal cairn on the grey marsh side.
Someone considered that proper respect,
due an eyeless corpse spray-painted orange
with the date of death or finding.
Contrast this to the southern shores:
The dolphin's momentary arch, liquid in the sun,
the flat moon shells' pale spirals,
and the endless competent patrols of pelicans
up and down the endless reach.
But remember that there too the dolphins and the tortoises
may roll onto the sand, lifeless, 
fit for only sad remark and final tally,
and consider today's fine wash 
of blue and yellow northern surf
in which the young dog bathed, ebullient.
Life and death change places;
places are changed by death and life.
The only constant is the sea.
The only constant is the sea.
The only constant is the sea.

May 31 2011