Nacre

"Nacre" sounds like an erotic euphemism. A leisurely beachcombing near ancient oyster beds led me to realize that. In fact, it went further, and prompted a poem.

The meter, for those who care, is represented visually as follows:


_._._._
._._.

Oh the shine! My fingers ache
To touch that sweet thing:

Silken colors, slippery,
As soft as me there;

Curves that arc in gentle swoons
Around the body

Once awash in holy calm
Within that temple,

Wrapping scarves of pearl
Around its softness:

Breathing water, eating sand,
Sweating heaven.

Casing empty, body gone,
It fills my eyes now:

Oyster shell, long empty, laps
The flowing water.