by Ann Taugher

Created on: September 25, 2008

SEA SHELL

I wander aimlessly along the shore,
My toes play tag with the tide.
Foamy waves chase me back
Then to return once more.

Jetsam lies at high tide's edge
Tossed from ocean's deep.
Glistening pieces of sea glass
Tucked among the kelp.

I see it hiding beneath the bark
Of some long forgoten tree.
I kneel to pick it up,
A treasure waiting just for me.

This tiny, little shell
Fits my hand with perfect roundness.
Cool as the waves that tossed it here
Upon the sandy, speckled beach.

I hold it to my ear
To hear what tales it would tell
Of shipwrecks out at sea
Or pods of whales in the deep.

What tiny creature made this home
And carried it place to place?
How had it remained uncrushed
Among the rough and ragged rocks?

What ever secrets it held
Are forever kept from me.
I leave it there for evening's tide
To take back into the sea.

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