A WALK IN THE SURF

Walking along the shore last evening I came upon a dying young pelican at the edge of the surf.  His eyes, in fear, followed me as I slowly circled him. 

Out of compassion, I wanted to tug him well up on shore so he wouldn't drown in the rapidly rising tide. 

But then it occurred to me that if I pulled him from danger, a coyote would pounce down from the bluff above, drag him into the bush, devour him, only to die himself of whatever the bird was afflicted with. 

I didn't know what to do.  All the while the eyes of the bird watched me.  All the while I stared into its eyes--just as I will stare into the eyes of my own death one day, and not know what to do.