Ecru Comma is an almost invisible woman
Sandwiched in between two more interesting
people doing at least two more interesting things
She lives in your neighborhood
You have seen her and not seen her countless times
One November Day, Ecru met a snail
She thought it was a sacred moment
Connecting with the smallest, least
of these creatures: a snail
Just standing there, waiting
in the middle of the driveway
Head and antennae out
peering around
looking for something.
Ecru lowered her head
A closer look was needed -
"Hi, Snail. What's it like down there?"
The snail didn't respond
Ecru pulled out her camera and
took a photo. She got closer
and took another and took another.
The snail squirmed a bit
her feelers taking on an
emotional quality
"Why are you looking at me?"
The snail aimed her antennae towards
the back of her shell, craning in what seemed to
be an uncomfortable way
"Is there something wrong with my shell?"
"Does it make my butt look big?"
Ecru stood up, curious and yet somehow
understanding what it must be like -
a snail sporting an unconventional shell.
In that moment, she agreed to
love and shelter this misfit snail
"We're together, forever, you and me."
Oddly satisfied, she went indoors
to write a poem about this moment
forever caught now with words -
No bulbous shell, like the snail - elephant
in The Little Prince.
This curious snail a sleek, mermaid
Twisted into a sort of triangle shape, pretty
some might make it into a beach souvenir
And what was this sort of shell doing in Bakersfield?
And how do slugs find shells to call home?
Has this slug been wandering around the
Valley of How, as she had and then, somehow
miraculously found Nirvana in a strangely
shaped tube shell rather than a bulbous
like every other slug's shell?
Ecru carefully made her way out of her
driveway, knowing they had agreed to love,
to be together, forever when she thought
it odd that the shell had turned onto its back
when she was in her own home
To return two hours later to find the shell
still: turned on its back. Empty, vacant,
tenant-less. Lonely. Together a moment.
Forever a nothing. Ecru, alone, again.
Agreement disintegrated instantly - -
love it!
Posted by: Maron Craig Bielovitz | November 09, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Such a lovely one Julie.. awesomeness specialty.. I love snails and I loved reading one about them.. aaaaw super cute and thoughtful..
Love xx
Posted by: Olivia | November 12, 2010 at 12:43 AM
Your poetry is amazing...with supporters such as you stand beside us, we can continue our efforts and make the potluck event more enjoyable for its large number of entries, multiple levels or types of talents, and authentic enjoyment of poetry and poetry reading...Come in any time when we are open, feel free to ask questions and read others.
Thank you in advance.
Have A Weekend A Graceful As Your Spirits.
xoxox
Posted by: Olivia | November 12, 2010 at 12:44 AM
love your imagination here.
fabulous write.
Posted by: Jingle | November 16, 2010 at 05:49 PM
Welcome to our potluck week 10, a poetry award is assigned upon submission.
Old poems are welcome …hurry up, you have 12 hours to go before we are closed.
Hope to see you there. Cheers!
http://jinglepoetry.blogspot.com/2010/11/poetry-potluck-moods-feelings-and.html
claim the award on my 3rd entry, #160.
Posted by: Jingle | November 16, 2010 at 05:50 PM
fabulous writing..
keep it up.
Posted by: Jingle | November 18, 2010 at 08:01 PM
http://jingleyanqiu.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/thursday-poets-rally-week-33-november-18-24/
Welcome attending poets rally week 33,
Happy Friday!
Thanks in advance for the attention!
xxx
Posted by: Jingle | November 18, 2010 at 08:01 PM