gray whales at the beach
and we forget
where we are
who we are
where we were going
people
dogs
even
eagles
instantly transformed
into
giddy
paparazzi
in their presence
pier becomes backscratcher
good riddance barnacles
routine becomes holy
as you are looked into
eye to eye
into that namaste place
until you feel whale shivers in your skin
peace in this place
and you shift
move freer
smile wider whale smiles
breaching the surface
of your former self
and walk home
craving fish
