The Iron Shelled Crab

The crab is lonely in the sea Of regret and melancholy, He watches idly, in silent plea Of someone to embrace him. He wishes daily for a heart To share his longing, when apart, But terrified to make the start, Allows no one to face him. "Stay away," his bitter cry, "My claws are sharp and my tongue is sly, I'll cut you up if you come close by" And so no one comes near. Whenever close by others come, He flees back to his spacious home, A shell of iron, that saddens some And brings the others fear. A wholly cursed creature is he, Who cannot love or trust with glee, Or ride the free waves of the sea To happiness beyond.