I found
the shell
one day
washed up
still wet
glistening edges
in a setting sun
glow
it was smooth
and full
it beckoned
and embraced
my fingers
craving touch
the shell a gift
a metaphor
a memory
of the tumbling sea
that brought it to me
the life lived
through years
and tears
conquering fears
released
let go
the shell
silky soft
a balm
to worried mind
will wishes
come true
will you
the shell
whispers of
comfort
and warmth
hands to hold
fires burning bright
starry nights
we tuck ourselves in
to home
a symbol
the shell
of times in life
of seasons of living
and simply a shell
the home of a creature
built of molecules
gathered from the ocean floor
function and purpose
I am also a shell
beauty in form
function
purpose
in action
I draw my memories
from the years
of forming
run my hands
along the curves
content
now
with the smooth shape
of me
my body
a shell
a flower
a complex
breathing
beating
systems of living
holding my brain
my thoughts
the words
through fingers
onto page
through voice
to your ear
as a shell
speaks of the ocean
so I speak of me
and my tumble
of emotions
the crashing
symphonic waves
a rhythm
a melody
my shell
is a gift
to me
to you
as the smooth
lines of my life
lay out
along the page
a poem
a novel
a story to be told
in the lines of a shell
picked up from the beach
with the light of the setting sun
and the lingering touch
of a lover
and a friend
a shell
symbol
metaphor
substance
smooth
I treasure
The shell.