What She Learned the First Day, poem published by Katherine Grace Bond

Once here
Trust seaweed that is dark and scrub;
Barnacles will offer purchase.
When a stone shifts
You must find your own balance.

You are here
To be foolish.
The blood star knows;
Limpet and littleneck clam
Move more slowly
In your shadow.

If, by standing still,
You could save your life
You would be granite
And still not as wise.

Now you must yield,
Every toe of you given
To the next flat sandstone.

If you find a staff,
Call it chesed.
If you are afraid,
Be pupil
To those you would teach.

If you look out to sea,
Otters meditating on the rocks
Will show you the way back.