I am dreaming, taking a nap—or, rather, having slipped into a coma induced by food. The dreams I have when I eat before bed are usually bizarre...more bizarre than usual at least. This dream feels no different when I find myself on a beach made entirely of fossilized vertebrae. Sitting up, I am strangely calm.
Once upon a time I took a trip to Nova Scotia to visit a friend who lives there. She took me to Joggins Fossil Cliffs on the northern arm of the Bay of Fundy, where the highest tides in the world reveal the most complete fossil record of the Coal Age. I found several fossilized vertebrae, and so did many of the other tourists, as confirmed by the guide, and out of reverence for the environment we were told not to take any home. I nearly smuggled one, but my conscience talked me out
