Dayle Ann Dodds

“I found a tiny starfishIn a tide pool by the sand.I found a tiny starfishAnd I put him in my hand.An itty-bitty starfishNo bigger than my thumb,A wet and golden starfishBelonging to no one.I thought that I would take himFrom the tidepool by the sea,And bring him home to give youA loving gift from me.But as I held my starfish,His skin began to dry.Without his special seaside home,My gift for you would die.I found a tiny starfishIn a tide pool by the sea.I hope whoever finds him nextWill leave him there, like me!And the gift I've saved for you?The best that I can give:I found a tiny starfish,And for you, I let him live.”