The Kelp
bends at the waist
surrendering to the current't touch.

They bow
                 bow
             bow
Devout in their worship,
their watery creeds,
do not reach my ears
caught up on the light
that sits above their heads
I can only imagine what they ask of their gods.

I
see only
their translucent hands
raised in prayer
wavering
so urgent is their need to give praise.

I
see only
the way the rocks
cross themselves
with these forests of worshiping arms.

They work themselves into a frenzy
as the tide comes in

Hallelujah!
                        Hallelujah!

           Hallelujah!
                                             Hallelujah!
Jubilation in crescendo.

"Here
   comes the water!
              Mother ocean
         giver of life!
Watch her kiss the sun
                 Holy Father
how he warms our soft heads with blessings!"

Watch
these marine gardens
settle
into more solemn prayers
as the water rises
over
their outstretched fingers.