Parallel Worlds

 For Jeff and Alice

I went to Bodega Head with some dear friends.

I was struck with the abundance of “Worlds” 

that were there, depending on where I placed my attention.

There was the World of the parking lot:.

The path, the rock, the gravel and sand

leading to the edges of cliffs overlooking the ocean.

There was the World of oceanic action:

foamy waters swirling among the rocks.

And the World of transparent shallow water

where remnants of waves lapped onto the sand,

bringing bits of seaweed running

in and out of the water like sandpipers.

There was the World of seagull covered rocks,

birds mating and nesting.

The World of seaweed tufts 

that looked like distant ancient towns

built on isolated rocks rising from deep ocean waters

with all the mystery and adventure 

that such towns might hold.

There was the World of eons old-rock bridges and arches

like entrances to underground kingdoms.

And the World of dragons' teeth rocks;

rocks like sailing ships;

rocks like walls encompassing their bit of the Sea.

The World of those birds who choose to nest

on the furthest and most precarious edge

of rocks jutting out to sea.

On the land there was the World of flowers:

ferns, and ice plants all clumped together.

The World of day-glo bright orange blossoms, 

small yellow lilies,

the rust-colored ground cover

contrasting green and violet flowers that roll over the hills,

the grey texture of dead plants covering the ground.

The World of all ice plants with blossoms of pink and violet

butting up to the edges of cliffs

and then hanging from rocks that descend to the sea.

There was the world of four geese who chose their forage area 

and then were joined by sparrows.

There was the World of the whale watcher,

his beach chair high on a bluff.

He sat motionless, watching the water 

for spouts of creatures he loves.

He smiled at me from his wizened face:

I nodded back at him.

I thought he was the same man I saw ten years ago

sitting in the same position...

We are watchers together, he and I,

sentient brothers and lovers of the wildness.