there is a pearl
in my shell
protected by
razor edges
of scalpel defenses

they keep away
the ill-intentioned
the stupid
the thieves
the inconsequential

yet you slip past
them effortlessly
as if
you always knew
where that key
was, as if
your name was
previously inscribed
always

you slip in
on your soundless feet
and you caress that pearl
buffing it to a high
gloss shine
then stroking it
until it hums
with pleasure
radiating joy
at the presence of you

here in the hidden chamber
adrift on all salt tears
that have come before
we are safe
the sea guards our
fortress jealously
and that wanton glow
suffices to convey
everything
where words
endlessly fail

11/05/2007

Posted on 11/05/2007
Copyright © 2025 Gira Bryant