A spiral of mollusk mantle

Swirls and

Swirls and

Swirls

Beneath the surface of the

Sloshing waves above.

 

Despite the stress

And the sea’s demands,

Refusing to be crushed.

Her heart strengthens and repairs

Even

When smashed against the rocks.

 

Mysterious currents guide her

To where they think

She needs to be.

Naive and dignified, she follows

Unconcerned

Into the tranquil expanse of the sea.

 

Brushed by the tide

Alongside the shore,

She aches to kiss the coast.

Wedged in the sloppy sand, she shimmers,

Hopeful

Someone will discover her.

 

Plucked out of the rippling dark,

Transformed.

Her essence is the same, but she is

New.

Buffed and smoothed and

Cut into a band,

 

Her purpose is fulfilled by

Adorning a different shell.

Equally difficult to break

But whose nature is still to

Inevitably

Become lost at sea.