And when the waves retreated
The sea refused to accept them
Pushed them back out
Each time they receded

It never understood
Even when it pushed them back out
It owned them and made them
A part of itself

For one can only push away
That which is theirs
One can only disown
That which they command

Because if they actually left
A flood would ensue
The city would be destroyed
And guilt would **** the sea itself