Beyond the Reef

The tide is going out,
pulling creatures, fish
out of rocky pools
away from sandy bottom
inside the reef.
Waves wash in,
bring cooling currents,
tell of deeper waters,
whisper of sharks,
of tempests, far outside.

Creatures dream
in tidepool shelter,
of sandy sanctuary,
familiar rocks,
not knowing
the risk,
till sun-warmed waters
dry out swimming arms.

Beyond the reef
currents carry –
cold, dark, deep –
toward other waters,
sandy shores.
Sharks lurk,
but turn
to hunt a weaker prey.