The Stranded Jellyfish.

This is dedicated to the Lady Bella and our shared passion for rescuing stranded invertebrates.

(Apologies for the verse that sounds like it was lifted straight from a Rupert Bear annual. I was tired and inebriated at the time, so make allowances!)

I rummaged in a tide pool as

I knelt upon the sand,

And felt a slith’ry slimy thing

Come up and take my hand

I peered and saw a jellyfish

A-looking up at me;

‘I’m stranded and I wondered if

You’d take me to the sea.’

‘Of course, my little friend,’ I said

‘A bucket will I bring.’

‘My thanks,’ the jellyfish replied

‘I promise not to sting.’

The article being duly fetched,

I swept him up inside.

Then took it to the shoreline where

I placed him in the tide.

With trailing fronds and waving wings

The jellyfish made way,

Into the saffron sunset at

The closing of the day.

I watched him go with lightened heart

And earnest human wish

For long life and good fortune to

The stranded jellyfish.