Take a walk to the Gulf <\/p>\n\n\n\n
when the sky is overcast <\/p>\n\n\n\n
(the clouds try to cast themselves <\/p>\n\n\n\n
into the sea all together like a swarm <\/p>\n\n\n\n
of grasshoppers behind a pane of glass), <\/p>\n\n\n\n
and don’t stop where the water jumps <\/p>\n\n\n\n
to greet you. Walk down the jetty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They built it just a few years back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walk to the end, pick your way <\/p>\n\n\n\n
down the side, down the boulders, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
to where they hold tide pools, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
and there is a limp squid with a milky eye <\/p>\n\n\n\n
wedged between two rocks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watch for turtles and dolphins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try to have a revelation. Fail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spy a sea anemone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crouch to get a closer look, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
and reach out to touch it— <\/p>\n\n\n\n
yes, you must. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Expect fire and agony. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feel only soft flesh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n