The abalone are dwindling
In their rocky abodes
Along our coasts
It matters not that the
Maori and others
Understood their sacredness
With only dim sight
They sense their limitless world
Of kelp and water
Once they thrived
Breathing and mating through
Holes in their shells
Clamped down and
Holding tight was enough
As the tides found them
Now I grieve for the
Extraordinary beauty
They created never seeing it
Radiant Refuge 