(at The Sea Ranch—
for Lauren Just Giel
and other mamas-to-be)

Standing on the bluff
looking down at the beach,
we sigh with recognition,

admiration and a little envy
at the fourteen snoozing
harbor seals sprawled

like sausages on the sand.
We are out for a walk,
checking out a nearby

beach that requires
a hike down steep stairs
and a small rappel on

a thick black rope,
then doing it all in
reverse to return

to the trail. A nap
seems like a fine idea
about now, but we

take some time to
appreciate these calm
creatures—mostly

females, some of whom
are likely pregnant,
due to deliver soon,

like a young mama
in our family. And we
send all kinds of love

to those carrying
the weight of
the next generation,

hoping the expecting
ones can snag a nap
here or there,

now and then, as their
offspring incubate,
kick and stretch,

getting ready to
experience this great
world waiting

to welcome them.