A Clam by the Shore

Clamshell mouth clamped shut—
choking on a pearl
no one else can see.

Crusted outsides disregarded—
there is no shine externally.

Passerby don’t pick me up
and pry me open
or beg me to reveal surprises
from deep inside my shell.

My appearance is acknowledged and ignored—
the barnacled façade too fierce to approach—
and I hide the pearl beneath
for fear it will shatter from reproach.

Unpracticed muscles are too weak
to lift the windowpane of salt.
Beneath the weight of hidden,
shining pride

I have sunk.