Above the Melting Ice

Above the Melting Ice Soft white skin, taut and smooth. Insulated from the Arctic cold, Snuggled warm in its wetsuit, he sleeps. Protected from predators, Camouflaged as a mound of snow, Ignoring sounds of cracking and popping. Each inhale releases, exhales, The slightest shift in movement, Flippers anchored to his round form. Slow to stir, he scratches. Returning to the place of now, Covered in quiet contentment. Coal-black eyes scan the horizon, Nourished by the bounty within the icy waters, Effortless, he slips into the abyss. A place of serene silence, Embraced by the essence of life, Peaceful, pristine, perfect. I too must remember, The embrace of life’s essence, Living above the melting ice.