Sea Urchin

I had read of Echinodermata,

the phylum of spiny marine creatures,

had seen sea stars and sea cucumbers.

But then one summer afternoon,

while taking a stroll

on a sandy California beach,

I spotted a purple sea urchin

entangled in washed ashore,

seaweed clumps.

Delighted, I took pictures,

not wishing to touch,

for they have venom,

and can sting.

Sea lions feed on the urchins

while, in some cultures,

the gonads, known as uni,

are consumed as delicacy.

The picture graces now,

our living room wall,

a symbol of mindfulness,

and serendipity,

a reminder to,

ensure ecological balance,

and respect biodiversity.

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