The Crab, Respectful

The crab, in claw
  and carapace,
much respects
  the human race,

and when left dry
  by ebbing tide
deems it best
  to shy inside

a knot of weed
  or mussel clump,
or sink back
  in his rock-pool sump.

Better still –
  beneath a boulder –
one two men
  can’t even shoulder.

But meet him
  on an open beach
and none of these
  within claw’s reach

what does he do? –
  Shows his pride –
stands his ground,
 (and steps aside).