I. nauplius
egg of unknowing
in a sea of immensity
floating without realizing
how the chances of surviving
are so tiny
II. protozoeaopalesque dot of hunger
& gulping fart of life
swimming while fathoming
only a fraction of what's going on
focusing solely on
planktonic delights
III. zoeabigger now – what of it?
the bulk of the food chain
is above
so keep a low profile
& wait for darkness
safety is in smallness
kelp 'sa good place fer cubs
IV. megalopsmolting fragile chitin shells
& waving bulging claws
you're a big little bugger
pinky maritime boxer
calincated mini-tank
feasting on morsels that sank
