Somedays
I feel like a clam
in a rough sea;
an oyster that
has swallowed gravel.
A mussel that
cannot move
from its place
but must accept
whatever passes
with the tide.
Unexpected rejection
and harsh words
have wounded
my soft insides
and it’s hard work
to cover the sharp
grains of sand;
to smooth over
the painful memories
so they will not
continue to grate.
I close up
to protect myself;
retreating inside
the tough shell
of my mind.
I desperately
want to believe
that these scars
can be transformed
into pearls
of beauty.
a poem in my pocket 
Oct 30, 2013 @ 19:57:15
Such an apt description – growing that hard shell, smoothing over the scars, becoming who you are because of what life has thrown at you… Well done.
Oct 30, 2013 @ 15:31:18
This is a wonderful metaphor.. of clams and mussels.. excellent. Scars might be the best strength we have in life… but it’s quite exhausting and painful.
Oct 30, 2013 @ 02:03:37
Oh I almost feel we may have been on the same wavelength this week…I can so identify with this poem. The scars are part of us too and they can become a thing of beauty with a lot of work. Nice poem!
Oct 30, 2013 @ 02:46:32
Yes, scars are part of us and help tell our beautiful story – thanks!
Oct 30, 2013 @ 01:45:13
i think those scars can be….they are all part of our story…what makes us…but i understand this…
Oct 30, 2013 @ 02:43:00
thanks for reading…and commenting, brian 🙂
Oct 22, 2012 @ 03:00:08
I appreciate your kind words, my friend!
Oct 21, 2012 @ 01:26:14
Very nice. I think God can use all the things in our life for good, if we trust Him. When I look at you, I definitely see pearl.