Sea Shells

A gift from my Nan when I moved miles away from her home. (age 8)

An amulet they've been to me,

a token gift to say farewell.

A balm to smoothe away the rough

which kept me captured by their spell.

At night I'd hear the rolling sea,

I'd press them close so I could hear

an ocean's murmur far from home,

the ebb and flow in my young ear.

A symphony of soothing sound

that hushed the mind that couldn't sleep.

a lullaby of crystal tides

two magic shells for me to keep.

I cherished them and held them dear,

soft buffed the pearl to make them shine,

an irridecent shimmer there

of pinkish green and opaline.

And how I knew she'd always be

though far away, a part of me.

Reviews

[Red Brick Keshner]

Seashells are quite iconic to childhood so much that the odour of fresh ones or just off don't detract from the pleasure that they bring. And buffed pearl are a sparkle that comforts and inspires. the best bit is that connection they bring between the gifter and the gifted. My daughter and I scour the strand for seashells even to this day. A family tradition that never grows old! Thanks Chris.
Freds

[Chris Shaw]

How lovely that you scour the beach with your daughter for sea shells l. That is a really nice share. Big thank yous for visiting this old poem Freds.

Chris

[Neville]

I always fancied my self as a conch .. not necessarily because I am fond of the sea and tend to fret when too far from it .. but because I quite like the idea of sitting on some fair maids dressing-table, just watching maybe ... and occasionally, either being blown, or placed against said maidens ear and being listened to ..

that said, I really enjoyed what felt like a nostalgic ride back in time, to when life in general was less cluttered and generally more simple .. like on the eve of my own leaving home .. despite the enormity of it .. everything fell into place ........................ Neville :)

[Chris Shaw]

My first experience of loss Neville. Moving away from my maternal Grandma's home when I was seven. I pined for her. Thirty miles in the days without cars or phones was a wrench. The shells helped me. Thank you for throwing some light and airing this poem again.

Chris

[Jas]

I love this poem, I also love the ocean and me the way you describe the shells makes me miss it very much. Beautifully done

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jas for your kind comments.

Chris

[barleygirl]

This is a beautifully flowing poem imparting a sense of nostalgia. When my favorite dog of all time (Barley) died, I found a big whole unbroken abalone shell on the beach shortly thereafter. So I know how a special shell can impart all these vivid sensations you describe so well with excellent word choices to convey sound as much as meaning. I love the way you balance the idea of actual seashells with the ephemeral longing represented by these treasures (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie for your understanding review. Your visits to this page truly welcome.

[Nigel Newman]

Chris Hi. I love the rhythm in this piece. It sort of mirrors the waves - the lullaby of crystal tides. Your fond memories of a loved Grandmother are things indeed to be cherished. Do you actually have these shells? I only ask because you say some words in past tense which could be in present, for example 'cherished' and 'held', because I can't imagine you'd throw them away.

Nice work!
Nigel

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Nigel. How perceptive of you. I do not have the shells now, but my mother does. They are in her garden and I am happy for them to be there. I have never forgotten though, what they represented when our family moved away from my Grandmother's home. Until I settled they were like a life line. Thank you so much for your lovely review.

Chris

[Ranger Kessel]

This is a beautiful write. A lover of nature and symbolism this struck home with me. Consider me a fan

[Chris Shaw]

How kind of you. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Butters]

I’ve always admired people who can take the something about nature and turn it into a poem- it’s just not something I’m good at. You’ve captured amazingly well. It reads to me like the loss of a loved one.

[Chris Shaw]

It felt like a bereavement, being parted from my Nan when I had lived with her for 8 years. My first sense of loss. Thank you.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I always collected them as a child, and have two large ones still to this day. You weaved a memory into one of my own with my grandmother, who was known as "Nan" to everyone who knew her. Your imagery and rhyme have a strong nostalgia to them that I'm sure will touch many. Beautifully done, Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Lovely review Kelly. Yes I called her Nan as well. Pleased you can relate to these words on a personal level.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Your Nan gave you a beautiful gift of the sea indeed. Your eloquent poem, with its beautiful form, flow, cadence, rhyme, imagery and alliteration is a lovely celebration of her gift. “A lullaby of crystal tides”- so innocent and filled with love. Those seashells must have comforted you and kept you close to her- such “iridescent” treasures of “pinkish green and opaline”. I love seashells so much. Wonderful memories and poem Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Annette. I missed her terribly when we all moved away from her home. She had always been there for me. The time I spent buffing up those shells was of immense comfort and brought her closer to me. Lovely review dear Annette. Your kindness appreciated.