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Open Poetry #20
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Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

0 posted 2002-05-29 06:46 PM




The Shell

A spiral shell lay on the tide-washed sands
A conch with polished marble walls
That echo not the sounds
Of a silent mollusk,
But the rhythms of my heart

A cherished prize from the salty brine
A gift of beauty
A jewel to the eyes
A mystery to the mind

What creature made this exquisite palace home
With curved hallways that twist inward
To an unknown place,
A place to harbor
The secret joys within me

Was it Neptune who lifted you
From the depths of the sea floor

And caused you to settle here under an April moon
To be found by someone who would worship
The perfection of your form, and keep you
As a reminder of the
Magnificence of life?

Along a vacant beach I strolled
At dawn, and found myself
Wrapped in a shell of sea colors

Just as my body harbors a soul unseen
So does this shell contain the mysteries,
The intrigue and the wonderment of life
That spiral through my mind

If we could exchange places,
Would you hold me in such reverence?
Would you ask me to tell you
The purpose of life?

I would know and keep the silent answer
For I could only echo the rhythms of your heart

Elizabeth Santos

© Copyright 2002 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved
Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296
Purgatorial Incarceration
1 posted 2002-05-29 07:04 PM


quote:
found myself
Wrapped in a shell of sea colors
the image of this is exceedingly pleasing today, and i find myself wishing i were back on Northshore, wandering the waves and gathering shells, listening to the ocean crashing at my feet... thanks for that memory.

the rest - such an interesting query... would something that we admire, admire us in return if we were to change places - the extension of that (as i think about it) presents an amazing array of tangents... and can easily be brought closer to home in wondering about people we admire. this is thought provoking, and brings a bright smile to my face... just when i think i've seen you at your best, Liz, you belt me with something else.

[This message has been edited by Christopher (05-29-2002 07:05 PM).]

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
2 posted 2002-05-29 07:06 PM


Elizabeth,
In this poem you have mingled the depth of the sea with the depth of your mind. And have fused a jewel from both kind. You never disappoint me. Love Sy

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
3 posted 2002-05-29 07:08 PM


Liz

Christopher is right...this has such a charmed quality..thoughtful and beautiful inside, like you.  I miss you..when are you coming back to California?

Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
4 posted 2002-05-29 07:45 PM




(smiles) Awwwwwww, I love this, sweet friend, may the waves of loves ocean always echo to you through the shella nd bring great serenity and peace to your heart! (kiss on cheek) This is breathtaking, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Elizabeth, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
5 posted 2002-05-29 07:48 PM


Elizabeth this is so beautiful and makes me long for the sea...gathering shells....
love the feel of this piece.  Wonderful...soothing read.
~Hugs~

icequeen
Senior Member
since 2001-12-09
Posts 633
FL USA
6 posted 2002-05-29 08:15 PM


What a perfect piece of beauty for me to read today, after telling my friend how much I've been missing my favorite beach... I haven't been there for years.  I was telling her about all the shells and colors...and come home to find your poetry awaits to take me where I wanted to go.  Thank you so much for posting it! It is just lovely
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
7 posted 2002-05-29 08:38 PM



Is this my opportunity to
admit, I collect shells?
If so, this is a Keeper...

jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
8 posted 2002-05-29 08:41 PM


Very beautiful Liz, the poem, the thoughts, the answers...

jwesley

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
9 posted 2002-05-30 11:19 AM


By the time I finished reading these gentle ponderings, I felt as though I'd walked with you... so fully do your words paint what your eyes and heart see.  *S* This is beautiful, Elizabeth.
ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
10 posted 2002-05-30 11:37 AM


Elizabeth I really love those last two lines.... The rest is excellent too but that's such a beautiful way to conclude this lovely piece!!  Bravo!   Well done!
hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
11 posted 2002-05-30 01:18 PM


Beautiful
Sven
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937
East Lansing, MI USA
12 posted 2002-05-30 04:51 PM


yes. . . free verse from the queen of form. . . I wish that I could do it as well. . .

excellent. . .

--------------------------------------------------------

To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world.

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