Like if the enjambment or rhythm were choppier or more unexpected, so that we as readers would also feel unsure of our footing?

That's a really good point. I wonder why she didn't do that?

Like the line endings are mostly where we would naturally pause anyway, which gives the poem a more settled, solid feeling. The only places I see more surprise happening are "the ocean once / smacked" and mmmaybe "when back / ashore."

(Tries reading it out again) Yeah, I get more of a lulling, flowing motion, like a gently rippling tide, rather than disruption. Is that what happens for you?