The Oyster And The Trap

By Madison Simone

Feet frolicking beyond bubble

Shells scattered sandy acres

None clean cut, 

From what I could see

I seized one and sat with it

Cracking it open – a pearl green

Others peered around my shoulder

Laced through my eye’s twinkle

I rolled the stone from my hesitant hand 

Shell sealed to room for another 

Sinking in sand from my stained palm

New fell into my lap half cracked

Pearl too small, what else is out there?

I scraped its flakes smothered on my skin

More I searched louder they screamed

Blue yellow pink white you may like!

Pick me pick me pick me!

Clueless which one suits best

Path’s pendant draped on my chest

I didn’t want to look – all pearls black

Paralyzed soles scurried off hurriedly 

What ifs stuck between my toes

Which one should I grab?

Which one should I let go?

By Madison Simone