Beyond the reach of high-tide
a horseshoe crab decays
on its articulated back
among shrapnel of shells and tossed remnants.
Rigored legs, the alien underbelly
naked offerings to the placid air and distant moon.
After a million years underwater,
I think it wanted to taste
forbidden dust and beach grass.
Now the ancient flesh
prepares for transformation
into Royal Tern, Sand Crab,
holy limestone.