The Shell Collector II

photo courtesy of Magpie Tales

 Empty of meat

You say you are a shell

No life within

But I see your fragile beauty

I know you are leaving

I see you grow smaller each day

You long to return to the sea 

When you are gone

What will I have of you?

Memories 

     are slippery things

Silvery minnows 

     that dart away

When you try to hold them in your hands

If a shell is all that you leave behind

Then I will treasure the shell

The Shell Collector

photo courtesy of Magpie Tales

Empty of meat

Back on the street

But, oh, it was sweet

That little morsel of you

You noticed my greed

Mistook it for need

Allowed me to feed

On your fragrant, ripe fruit

Now I've had my fill

And you're feeling ill

The creeping, bleak chill

Of dissection

Your will has grown weak

And your voice has grown meek

But I'm not one to seek

For protection

I swallowed your heart

Was your gift and my art

It's all just a part 

I play very well

Your spirit is dust

It might be unjust

You're only a husk

But, oh, what a beautiful shell.

submitted for Magpie Tales, 69