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The Oyster

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swimming in shallow waters
he saw the oyster –
half open –
inviting.
He dived down
reaching for it
picturing the pearl.

Limpet-like
it clung to the rock.
His grip fastened him to it –
and to the sea-bed
till his head swam,
losing
the fight for air –
knowing
he couldn`t stay there
he took flight
to the surface.

Diving down again
he realized
his prize had clammed
but he’d have it he vowed –
sooner or later.
Marking the spot
he returned when the tide allowed
trying it with a blade
but prying
only made things worse.

Now he is  cursed –
his  life governed
by the movements of the moon.
Too soon it fills the bay
driving him
away from his small shell-
his  little hell
made of would-be heaven.
And each time he goes down
he dives deeper-
now a slave
to the pearl ,
its aphrodisiac flesh
– and the shell -
of its keeper.

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Comments

1 - 10 of 10

  • mr backwards
    August 20, 2006
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    wow

    this was really nice. it has a point, a message, other than just conveying an emotion. lines 27 and 28 display desperation suprisingly well, and 30 and 31 depict the fruitlessness of such desperation.
    Sacrifice of personal freedom and effort for material gain is a sad story, as true happiness only comes from intangible personal gain. this was truely an inspiring poem, my friend.  I salute you.

    . Rewarded 4


    • Windhover gold member
      August 20, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      ouY knahT

      Thank you for reading and commenting namsdrawkcab and thank you for liking one of my own favourites . It's not much commented on and what comments there are vary in their interpretation a lot. I know what it means to me but I like what it means to others . Your comment is astute and valued . Thanks again.     >W<


  • June 24, 2006
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    Pearls and Oysters

    I once remeber as a child diving and finding a oyster, My father opened it and my eyes opened wide as I saw the pearl This poem recaptured that moment. And almost made me regret ever killing and Line 29 and 39 ,.. Now he is cursed.... Now a slave, made me realize oysters are living too. They are being opened for pearls and pearls for money.  This poem actually gave me two completely different feelings.. Happy -Excited, and then Regretful. Great Job!

    . Rewarded 4


    • Windhover gold member
      June 25, 2006
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks monkeeleader.Your response is one of the more unusual ones to this poem and a lesson in how the 'Global Village' is actually working. Anyone who finds a pearl and pities the oyster must be a gentle soul indeed. Congratulations to you.


  • April 27, 2006
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    Big Love To Pearl Lickers

    I love this poem as much as I love the thing that this poem reminds me of! Yea to HE who understands! I think the whole poem could go without the breaks. It flows really good between them that they aren't necessary.

    . Rewarded 4

  • ketura498
    March 28, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    yes you do get the idea of addiction...

    33away from his small shell-
    34his  little hell
    35made of would-be heaven..

    iknew its about a man woman thing but i really didnt want to say so cuz i thought it probably  was my percepton due to my experiences...lol


    . Rewarded 1

  • ketura498
    March 28, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    yes you do get the idea of addiction...

    33away from his small shell-
    34his  little hell
    35made of would-be heaven..

    iknew its about a man woman thing but i really didnt want to say so cuz i thought it probably  was my percepton due to my experiences...lol


    . Rewarded 1

  • ketura498
    March 28, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    ok i'm stuck on lines 36-42 cuz i' thinking that either he got through- "he dives deeper- now a slave to the pearl. its aphrodisiac flesh"

    and if we are refering to the pearl itself he is still attempting...

    i need clarification!!lol

    i guess it was your intention to have your reader thinking...



    . Rewarded 4

  • ketura498
    March 28, 2006
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    WOW.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    i know sometimes i read too much into your writings... but i jus get the feeling that we aren't really talking about oysters...
    when your refer to the pearl your refering to its rarity, sacredness, purity. and the fact that it is a challenge to obtain.
    and with this in my mind, i cant help but think about  a man trying to "conquer" a  virgin or jus the whole idea of trying to attain something that is seeminly out of reach...
    i don't know why...
    but thats the direction my mind has gone in...

    lines 28-43 sounds sensual
    "And each time he goes down
    he dives deeper-
    now a slave
    to the pearl ,
    its aphrodisiac flesh
    – and the shell -
    of its keeper"

    he is victorious!!

    you know your getting greater by the minutes...

    this piece is absolutely perfect in form, rhythm, tone language..perfect
    i really enjoy the flow,each line runs into each other smoothly.. without any problems...
    I think this is your best work yet..

    . Rewarded 4


    • Windhover gold member
      March 28, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      No wonder I like getting comment from you!

      I've printed this one off and I'm taking it down the pub! Yes , its a metaphor , or whatever the word is , but you have to work it out for yourself - no clues ! As usual your very (over-)enthusiastic comment has made an old man very happy - and I entirely agree with all of it ! (lol)

1 - 10 of 10