Horseshoe Crabs

When I was a child, horseshoe crabs dotted the beaches of my island home. Their primordial nature was fascinating to me, so ancient they seemed, like something from another time. I remember spending time turning them right side up so they could make their way back to the ocean. I also remember kids who were not so kind, tipping them upside down, poking them, burying them out of fear. I tried to defend the crabs from bullies whenever I could. I wish I could do that now. There are so few to be seen anymore. Apparently we harvest them each year, borrowing them for their blood and many die in the process. I do miss them. They are special creatures and so unique in the world.