warmer waters

I. 
a piece of me 
a seashell
palm-held, seen
for the first time
is still there
on the beach


II.
years ago, a dead
cormorant in the sand
was all black
feathers and 
extinguished yearning 
for flight
the beautiful fallen
bird, stilled by 
its death-mystery


III.
i have returned
to the cold shore
recalling
warmer waters