A scallop shell, loosed by the lifting tide, <br />Had left a friendly shore, the seas to brave; <br />Its lips of pink and snowy hollow shone <br />Pure in the sun, a pearl upon the wave. <br />It gleamed and passed—you burdened it with love, <br />With sweet long futures, new and dreamy days <br />And named for me—because I held your hopes. <br />I bid you hush—not meriting your praise. <br />I pointed, as your vessel came to shore, <br />Wrecked where the tiny breakers rose and fell; <br />And bid your voyagers not put to sea <br />So frail a craft as this poor scallop shell.<br /><br />Dora Sigerson Shorter<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-scallop-shell/
