Handing Over

One day he found himself at the rock bottom of a cliff shattered from descent but the tides had been kind had revealed a chance to rest on sandy retreat He gathered sea shells memories temptations and shelter pebbles of time corpse of a starfish skeleton dreams an octopus’ eye Floating in surrender he soon drifted on strands of sea weed searched tranquility joined the dolphins inhaled the ocean mocked by the gulls Hidden among pieces of debris he reached out for redemption in the twilight of doubts flooding transgressions receding convictions malignant sharks On closer inspection a heap of driftwood revealed a small box intricate inlay mother of pearl covered in crust sealed with a kiss Pandora was calling from within and without further delay he knew nothing lasts forever prayed and prized opened the cover As he arrived at a point of no return worms sprang upon him questioned faith requested belief confused his spirits and licked his wounds Submerged under a dazzling collection of misleading truth a tiny hobgoblin cradled a mermaid the shape of an anchor embracing all hope God had spoken and he released his soul into an ocean of love