Answer:
The starfish on the beach are dead.
Explanation:
In Lorna Dee Cervantes' poem "Starfish", the speaker is vividly describing the beauty of a beach filled with starfish. However, throughout the poem, it is clear that the starfish are no longer alive. They have been "liberated" from the ocean. Several details from the poem provide that information:
[...]
thousands of baby stars. We touched them,
surprised to find them soft, pliant, almost
living in their attitudes. [...]
Together: little martyrs, soldiers, artless suic ides
In lifelong liberation from the Sea [...]