God Made All This

By Helen Spencer Schlie

I walked the sands that hold the ocean

and saw the sea in ceaseless motion.

I climbed the driftwood, bleached and grey,

piled high by tides along the way.

I glimpsed the shape of distant ships

and tasted salt upon my lips.

I watched the gulls all flying high

and saw the clouds go drifting by.

I searched for pebbles shining bright,

and found rare shells, all pearl white.

I held a chambered nautilus,

and felt the fog’s soft, mist-thrown kiss.

I heard the winds,

low muted, blowing,

And felt a peace that comes with knowing—

a quiet bliss:

God made all this.