I’ve always loved shells and have collected and photographed them, so it was inevitable that I would write a poem about them. It was published last year in a national magazine, and with summer beach walks approaching, I decided to share it here, too.
The Gift of Shells
Collect seashells on the shoreline,
Admire their patterns and natural hues,
Touch the ridges and whorls,
So many shapes to choose.
Glistening with the sea’s lustre,
On sand or tangled in seaweed,
Cast off cases of sea creatures,
New homes for hermit crabs in need.
The ocean’s unique sculptures,
Some picked up to make precious things,
Engraved to create fine cameos,
For pendants, earrings and rings.
Large conch shells held to the ear,
Hear the sound of waves inside,
Like all shells, a link between sea and land,
Neptune’s gifts washed up on the tide.