Oh, what a lovely purple scallop shell
we’ve found in the sand! At first sight it seems
a heart, but with furrows like a fan. Tell
me what you see inside. Yes, a bright dream
of cloud and pearl combined, so glistening
and smooth you want to rub it on your cheek.
And look at this calico pectin sheath
spread like a turkey’s tail! Let’s go and seek
them out! Study how creatures live beneath
the sea in their domed jackets. Listening
to their bubbly conversations surely
will bring delight! We’ll sing to the curly
nautilus shaped like a cornucopia.
We’ll dance with clams clustered in utopia!
Roger Armbrust
March 7, 2012
