Broken Shells

by Scrittore   Jun 15, 2017


I started searching the ocean shore
For seashells left by the tide
And like most my hunt was for
Those that were beautiful on the outside.

And as I discarded the broken shells
Taking note of their beauty too
I found myself wondering why
Those seemed to have less value.

These broken shells were stunning
Their jagged edges a story told
Of a life lived much harder
Perhaps more full, perhaps more bold

An unblemished shell might know
The current from shore to shore
But in its preservation
What adventures went unexplored?

And so I began collecting
These shells so often left
By those who cannot see
Beauty in the imperfect

(I'd rather be a broken shell
Parts of me lost in sea
Than find myself trapped by
The expectations of society.)

19


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Latest Comments

  • 3 years ago

    by Jane Do-Re-Mi

    I enjoyed this one

  • 6 years ago

    by Thomas

    Judging comment:

    "To begin, this poem has a solid grasp of unforced and intuitive rhyme choices, making smart use of slant rhyme in two stanzas particularly. It appears clear that care was taken with the diction of the piece to assist it in flowing more smoothly, as well.

    “And as I discarded the broken shells
    Taking note of their beauty too
    I found myself wondering why
    Those seemed to have less value.”

    There is an extremely captivating and thoughtful analysis of nature here - why, because something is broken, is it viewed as lesser? Of course, there may be logic in brokenness diminishing the physical value of an item, but on a scale of beauty, especially the poem’s subject of shells, the poet is quite right to see that they can still be just as beautiful as whole shells.

    The poem is also a strong analysis of society as a whole; shells, sure, but also people. Time and experience may mark people with scars and stories, but they are still as valuable as someone without the history. And the history is what makes that person - “What adventures went unexplored?” - and tells that they have lived an experienced life.

    A wonderful poem and a truly beautiful look at the world."

  • 6 years ago

    by DarkLight

    A constructed message that really deserved this win. Congratulations.

  • 6 years ago

    by Maher

    This is a well thought out and well written poem. The analogy you've used is nothing short of beautiful, meaningful, easy to grasp and packed with a great moral. Don't be surprised that you won this contest, because it's no wonder that you did. Congrats ma'am :)

  • 6 years ago

    by Scrittore

    Wow!! I never expected to win a poetry contest. Thank you for all the kind comments! <3

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