Sea Shells

Sea Shells

A Poem by Chris Shaw
"

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.

© 2018 Chris Shaw


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Featured Review

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

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

How lovely that you scour the beach with your daughter for sea shells l. That is a really nice shar.. read more



Reviews

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

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

How lovely that you scour the beach with your daughter for sea shells l. That is a really nice shar.. read more


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 :)


Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

My first experience of loss Neville. Moving away from my maternal Grandma's home when I was seven. I.. read more
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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

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Thank you Jas for your kind comments.

Chris
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

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

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

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Hello Nigel. How perceptive of you. I do not have the shells now, but my mother does. They are in he.. read more
This is a beautiful write. A lover of nature and symbolism this struck home with me. Consider me a fan

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

How kind of you. Thank you so much.

Chris
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.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

It felt like a bereavement, being parted from my Nan when I had lived with her for 8 years. My first.. read more
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!

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

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

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Thank you so much Annette. I missed her terribly when we all moved away from her home. She had alway.. read more

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Added on May 4, 2018
Last Updated on May 7, 2018

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

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