death of a jellyfish

I observed the death of a jellyfish
who rode into the reeds on the hosanna tide.
As the water receded the creature pushed
and pushed against a barrier of grass
too strong to penetrate. 
A lesson, I thought,
but what am I to learn? 

Was it to understand my limitations… 
to not kick my foot against the goad?
I hope not. I want to keep striving
against what seem impossible odds.
Is it to know that deep water is nota
a promise of smooth sailing,
that obstacles can be overcome,
but not all will be?  Or to learn that
rescue may not come in time.

I observed the death of the jellyfish.
I wanted to help it,
But my pole would not reach;
not to save, not to pierce its side.
In its death, we both died a little.
And so it would end,
if death had the last word.

Liz McFadzean

"Man and beast you save, O Lord."    Psalm 36:6b