Walking the beach after a storm

Lots of shells washed up

I started collecting them

I found a starfish

He looked so cute

I picked him up

To add to my collection

But he felt too heavy

I turned him over

He was still alive

Should I throw him back

Risk damaging him

Or gently return him

I decided not to hurl him

Wading deep into the surf

Pausing when the water was waist deep

Gently placing him on the sea floor

Stepping back gingerly

So as not to step on him

Standing on the beach

Watching the waves crash in

Trying to imagine the starfish now

Back in his natural habitat

I closed my eyes

Listening to the waves

Gently lapping the shore

They were whispering to me

Thank you thank you

I reflected on my actions

Did I do the right thing

My mind wandered

Can you grill and eat starfish

The waves got angry