Wisdom Under The Sea


Not all creatures need to climb to 
mountaintops to gain wisdom.

We can find plenty of sagacity under the sea.

There are many mechanics 
and engineers there,
dispelling the myth of that place
as a repository for submissive simpletons.

Stingrays use their bodies
to flush out food trapped between plants,
creating a delightful snowstorm
of delicacies for their palates.

Sea wrasses employ rocks as anvils
to crack open clams,
with flavored contentment ensuing.

Sea otters exploit rocks to get at 
various abalones,
mother-of-pearl goodies and treats.

Octopuses gather coconut shells to create shelter,
and, they can open jars 
with indeterminate rapidity.

The dolphin’s need to play 
is highly developed,
and they utilize balls and rings
as tools for amusement.
They also use sponges to protect their beaks
while they forage.

Sea urchins gather items to function as umbrellas
to keep them out of the sun,
having learned that trick
from centuries of observing
instructive clouds.

Let the tempestuous sea and its creatures be our ashram.