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Snail

by Dan Linn

Pretty snail cleaning the sand,
exposing belly on aquarium glass.
Loving left behind discoveries.
Not living in aerator houses.
Writing crustacean novels for fishy friends.
"Oh, aquarian observers of this outside!
Come circle our world,
for we are large in it and we fit it
and it is warm and oxygen rich.
These are our waves,
and our fin ballet and tail flick race."
The snail's song is long
and it takes a lifetime to sing.
Listen. That high sound.
Like finger on crystal?

10/15/2010

Author's Note: We all have our perspective.

Posted on 10/29/2011
Copyright © 2025 Dan Linn

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Leslye Writer on 10/29/11 at 12:28 PM

I can hear the high sound. The exposed belly, the waves and the ballet are memorable. I will remember this poem when I read it again in a thousand years. The finger on crystal will still be sounding.

Posted by LK Barrett on 10/29/11 at 03:23 PM

...love the change in meter from trochee to iamb and back...the vulnerability and the immersion in this tender little life is quite special...ty, Dan...lk

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 10/30/11 at 01:10 AM

"The snail's song is long and it takes a lifetime to sing." I really enjoy reading a new perspective. Leaving it with that high crystal sound resonates (pun intended). Thank you.

Posted by Paganini Jones on 10/30/11 at 11:34 PM

I love this - an immediate favourite!

Posted by Lori Blair on 11/02/11 at 10:01 PM

I read this earlier and didn't have time to comment so I rated it..but I did indeed have to return to comment! We have a tank with snails in it and I could never have described the beauty of it all as you have since done! Brilliant!

Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 11/06/11 at 06:34 PM

And a very interesting perspective it is! :o)

Posted by Tony Whitaker on 11/13/11 at 04:37 PM

I was picturing our saltwater aquarium as I read each line. A vivid tale of two water worlds!

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 02/02/12 at 04:25 PM

Congrats on POTD! Really loved the "fin ballet and tail flick race".

Posted by LK Barrett on 02/02/12 at 10:02 PM

Just as fresh, as sweetly vulnerable and wise as the first time I heard you read this, and still so poignantly clear and pointed. Love and sincerest congratulations on a well-deserved POTD.

Posted by Angela Stevens on 07/17/12 at 07:45 PM

We do indeed have different perspectives! I enjoyed reading this, thank you.

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