Sirenum Scopuli

He left the trail behind,

once again picking his way

through nettles and dying grass.

Black water surrounded

by encrusted rocks

and gleaming, slippery kelp.

His eyes were already

beginning to sting

from the salt spray.

He lowered himself into

the water until it

was up to his waist.

Seaweed and driftwood

bobbed here and there

in the surf.

He found himself peering

into the water, then

at the rocks around him.