The sand squelches between my squirmy toes,
as I clutch my red bucket of curious creatures—
captured by my bubbling interest.

I venture closer to the ocean’s edge,
a shell suddenly slicing into my foot.
My blood mingles with sand and gravel,
like strawberry syrup and graham cracker crumbles.

The sea eagerly laps at my wounded skin,
salt sizzling against the rawness within.
My bucket topples, releasing its captives,
and I watch them scurry back to their homes.

I received a warning,
a debt to settle for my youthful curiosity.
A price in lifeblood,
transaction now complete.

– Lawren Coleman