Playing with form when writing poetry is always interesting. Today’s Verselove prompt introduced a poetic form called a cascade. (Check out the Verselove post for more details.)

I love the native giant kelp (macrocystis pyrifera) that grows in our coastal waters. It’s know for its fast growth–up to a foot a day–in ideal conditions. Unfortunately, conditions are not so ideal these days. As our water temperatures rise, kelp struggles. And like a forest on the land, a kelp forest supports an entire ecosystem. Some piles on the beach are normal, but too many piles ignites worry about this special place. I’ve been teaching my young students about this unique algae for years…and have fallen in love with its special qualities. Maybe I’ve illustrated some of them in this cascade of a poem.

It lands on the shore in a heap

Golden fronds etched with waves

Once an undersea forest filled with life

Bubbles bob and float catching rays 

Enormous algae growing at top speed until…

It lands on the shore in a heap

Tiny brittle stars call holdfast home 

With snails and urchins among

Golden fronds etched with waves

Delicate ecosystem depending

On cool Pacific waters

An undersea forest filled with life

We must protect this watery treasure trove

@kd0602