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

[redd 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

[Papaya]

Such a beautiful gift to give to a child because there is so much magic in those shells.
I enjoyed this, a nice soft feel to it.
(check first line "to")

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for spotting the typo, much appreciated and pleased you enjoyed the read.

[.]

Very reflective piece. I miss my moments on the white sand beaches in my island. Never kept sea shells but now i will :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. Keep the shells, you will always feel you are close to your island, and listen to the rolling ocean. Make sure you get some large shells though. Mine are conch shells.

Chris

[.]

Good to know

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome lovely lady.

[emmajoy]

What beautiful words.. I want to hug them and have them rest along with some of my memories, Christine. There are those who say not to live in the past, live in the now. But surely what you take from history opens your eyes, mind and heart to pleasure in what is here, now. Experience teaches.

The way you lay your words is delightful and eloquent. ' A balm to smooth away the rough.. '

[Chris Shaw]

Lovely review emmajoy. I am both a builder of memories and a retriever of memories. I need both to keep me balanced and happy. Pleased you enjoyed this poem.

Chris

[Ms Paragon]

Beautiful sentiments,beautifully described!I liked the imagery and flow!Well done!

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to meet you Ms Paragon and happy to know you liked this poem. Thank you.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Such lovely sentiments.
Grandmothers not only give great gifts, they are, themselves, great gifts.
Wonderful work!

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Jimmy. Yes, thank goodness for grandmothers. I can say that knowing I loved both of mine dearly and now I am one myself. Thank you.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

those remembrances of others...of loved ones...somehow we see or hear them within...
and within ourselves.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. Their memories are part of the fabric which is me.

[...]

When I used to live at north east scotland. My favorite walks was on long sand beaches. Yiu can walk there for hours and make bunch of miles. I always find something very interstanting like for example tweed hat from island of Harris etc. But special sea shells they was best. I make quiet large collections. I also hold them at my hands and make stories about them. Very beautiful and touchy is your poem a use bring me back my memores on most magical beaches at magical north. Well done.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Martin, thank you for your lovely review. Pleased you also like sea shells and they hold happy memories for you to.

[/]

to have some tether we can hold onto of a particular place is comforting. in my mind i can feel the shell being you've described it so well. i've held them before and i know the sound thats a part of them. good poem

[Chris Shaw]

I love holding shells to my ear and listening for the echo of the sea. I've never got out of that habit. Thank you Reflection, and hello pleased to meet you.