How I long to emerge from these murky waters and be with you upon the ochre shores I’ve so often watched you walk. But the sun would surely burn me and I’ve never seen you at night.

  Then again, you yourself are never without protection from those harsh rays in your suit of beautiful bright orange.

  For now I tell myself that I am content to merely swim alongside you - sinuous, many-legged, and unseen - as you pick your ponderous bipedal way down the winding shore, taking your samples and checking your instruments.

  It is early morning, the sun still rising and you have just arrived at the edge of my waters. At st you’ve noticed me. Or is this just the first time I’ve noticed you notice? You seem to expect me.

  I take a chance and rise up in the safety of your shadow, rusty head high and front cws resting on the mud. You bend down and clink your gss visor to my forehead chitin. You smile and I chitter in happiness.