Hermit Crab

Scurrying across the ocean floor
leaving faint tracks in the sand
moving sideways to go forward
nothing mapped or even planned.

The sand is always shifting
ever changing the terrain
all creatures are in hiding
misdirected or insane.

Go on and on forever
waving claws in wild defense
abandoned ocean creatures know
that none of this makes sense.

Seaweed waving, beckoning
hypnotic dance of death
trust not the grinning clown fish
blowing bubbles with their breath.

The ancient crusty oyster shell
protects the tender meat
a grain of sand the irritant
spits pearls in mock defeat.

The current is relentless
overwhelming constant motion
and serenity's unheard of
at the bottom of the ocean.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Mac Donald Avatar
September 12, 2008 at 7:01 AM
Congratulations on being featured this week, Danielle. Nicely written and well devised. I suppose that 'serenity's unheard of at the bottom of the ocean.', yet still ,their lives are somewhat like our own. They only seek to thrive in a world where 'the current is relentless'. Not a bad thing, really.:) Great personifications...I enjoyed this piece. Thank you! Best to you and yours...God bless you...Mikki
Brown Avatar
September 10, 2008 at 6:24 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved feature this week Danielle. Love, Carol
Antypas Avatar
September 9, 2008 at 7:23 PM
I REALLY like that poem--some vivid imagery, enjoyed the cadence. Flowed well...but I had a tough time w/the meter on the line that read "Seaweed waving, beckoning". I enjoyed the final stanza because it wrapped the entire poem up nicely, but left the reader wondering. Nice job!
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
September 9, 2008 at 8:52 AM
Congratrulations Danielle, on your poem "Hermit Crab" being featured. Hope all is well. God Bless. Vince
Winter Avatar
September 8, 2008 at 3:57 PM
Congratulations Danielle on your amazing poetry being featured this week. Love, Shar
Feist Avatar
September 8, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Beautifully written description of ocean life! Congrats on being featured. There have been chunks of time in my life when I too, have had relentless currents and knew no serenity. The Soup is now one of my sources of serenity and your writing has contributed to my increased desire to write. Thank you for being here. love, karen
Jordan Avatar
September 8, 2008 at 5:05 AM
This truly is a remarkable poem of the wonders found in the ocean - Congrats on having it featured
Strand Avatar
September 7, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Congrats on your feature this week.Danielle.Rgds Brian
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