I was walking one morning

Along the water’s edge

When I happened to spy

What first I mistook

As a meaningless bit

Of flotsam

Partially buried

In the warm sand.

Upon closer inspection

I was intrigued to discover

An ancient bottle

Corked and sealed

With wax

And containing

A yellowed scroll

Of paper.

My heart racing

I turned the bottle

This way and that,

Trying in vain to see

What message

The paper contained.

I was curious to know

The history,

The story,

Behind its presence

Upon this beach,

Yet I was strangely reluctant

To break the seal,

Fearful of finding

Nothing of import

Within.

So I retraced my steps

Along the sand,

Carrying my prize,

This gift of the sea,

And all the possibilities

It may contain,

Back to my home

Where I could

Marvel over it

Further.