The Cliff

Caution,

Watch your step.

Little One, do not fall into the ocean depth.

It is frightening,

And you have yet learned to swim.

The tide will take you far away,

No matter the strength of your fins.

Caution,

Watch your step.

The ocean will take your body,

Intoxicate that.

It will wrinkle you, your arms and your legs,

The salt will make brittle your hair,

And your eyes a difficulty to open again and again.

The water,

It will clog the use of your ears.

And you will have swam so long,

Your feet will only know a fish’s gears.

So have Caution, Little One.

Watch your step.

The ocean’s creatures are the worst part of it yet.

They will see you and your weakness,

And aim for your death.

They will want what you have,

Whatever it is you have left.

The sharks, they will bite,

The eels, they will sting.

Now there are kind fish,

Alas, they hide amongst the reefs.

And so, be cautious.

Watch your step.

Little One, the ocean is frightening,

And you have not learned to swim yet.