I. Nauplius

egg of unknowing
in a sea of immensity
floating without realizing
how the chances of surviving
are so tiny

II. Protozoea

opalesque dot of hunger
& gulping fart of life
swimming while fathoming
only a fraction of what's going on
focusing solely on
planktonic delights

III. Zoea

bigger 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 is the best place fer cubs

IV. Megalops

with fragile chitin shells
& bulging claws
you're a calincated mini-tank
feasting on morsels between sand and rocks