THE METAPHYSICS OF SEASHELLS

by J.J. Steinfeld
Prince Edward Island, Canada


A visit to an unencumbered beach
a stage setting for damnation or salvation
difficult to determine which
as the wind, fierce and secretive, slaps my face,
the sand, however, is consoling but reticent.

I look at two seashells
and wonder which is older
as if I could extract the wisdom
of the older one
if only I were certain.

I hurl one of the seashells
into the mysterious ocean
and as I watch the seashell
enter the water
I suspect I have thrown the wrong one
losing a last chance
at the truth of seashells
and the ocean's mysteries.

 
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