Fairy Changeling and Other Poems — The Scallop Shell

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, where your vessel came to shore, Wrecked where the tiny breakers rose and fell;

And bid your voyagers not put to sea So fail a craft as this poor scallop shell.