She Saves Sea Shells
She Saves Sea Shells
It is afternoon, and she is slick
with sea residue and summer heat,
draped in a sheer pearly sun gown.
Minding the sand upon the shore,
crystal waters bring her a shell,
an oyster locket without its soul.
“See how beautiful it is in the light,”
she raises this blessing to the air
beaconed by the rays of June.
I tilt my head; I see such beauty
emulating from her presence.
“Store it for good luck,” I tell her
and I offer my hand as a chest
for her affection to be kept safe,
to remain settled in our season.
She lays her heart in my chilled palm
and it radiates a golden warmth
between my fingers and silver rings.
She leans over, slowly embracing
the tender plush of my doughy waist
soaking me in her summer heat.
The Voice
April 2024
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