A walk along the beach with family led to an encounter with a Portuguese Man of War jellyfish that had washed up on the shore. The writer recalled seeing the species often on childhood beach visits and knowing to stay away, because the tentacles could sting.
This one appeared freshly washed ashore and sparkling in the sun, with a light pink dorsal fin atop a translucent light blue body and royal blue tentacles tucked underneath. Moving closer to admire it, the writer thought the body twitched, and wondered whether it was still alive and whether to try returning it to the water.
Deciding the movement was probably the wind, the writer left the jellyfish alone and felt slightly guilty afterward. The reflection was published by Orlando Shakes.
Press release issued by Orlando Shakes:
https://orlandoshakes.org/by-sarah-lockard/
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