In defense of a small life

Where we lived was the

end of the earth

A terrific sea to the east

mountains to the west

We were barnacles

too stuck in our ways to leave

The tides came and left

tourists with cameras.

whales

lobsters

fish

children with ice cream dripping down their chins

We watched them

come and go

from our sessile homes

cemented to rock

We heard about how it was

other places

They said we should

see what it’s like

come for a visit

go elsewhere

The world is infinitely large, you know

With one crusty eye

half-open

I said

<< You know, the infinite extends in both directions >>