Of Molluscs

Unknown

Of Molluscs

As the tide rises, the closed mollusc

Opens a fraction to the ocean's food,

Bathed in its riches. Do not ask

What force would do, or if force could.

A knife is of no use against a fortress.

You might break it to pieces as gulls do.

No, only the rising tide and its slow progress

Opens the shell. Lovers, I tell you true.

You who have held yourselves closed hard

Against warm sun and wind, shelled up in fears

And hostile to a touch or tender word—

The ocean rises, salt as unshed tears.

Now you are floated on this gentle flood

That cannot force or be forced, welcome food

Salt as your tears, the rich ocean's blood,

Eat, rest, be nourished on the tide of love.

May Sarton

“You who have held yourself closed hard...” Well what could be better than to be compared to a mollusc?! Is this what we read poetry for? I'm laughing, but it does seem to be true. I am "bathed in riches", I truly am, and this image of being floated on a gentle flood that nourishes me is quite wonderful. I have spent the last while hunting for and learning about molluscs, and to read now how I am like one is delightful. "Eat, rest, be nourished." I love that. The key is to welcome it.