The Scallop Shell

A SCALLOP shell, loosed by the lifting tide, Had left a friendly shore, the seas to brave ; Its lips of pink and snowy hollow shone Pure in the sun, a pearl upon the wave.

It gleamed and passed — you burdened it with love, With sweet long futures, new and dreamy days : And named for me — because I held your hopes. I bid you hush — not meriting your praise.

I pointed, as your vessel came to shore, Wrecked where the tiny breakers rose and fell ; And bid your voyagers not put to sea So frail a craft as this poor scallop shell.