Shells Poem by SRS Smith

We came together as accidental
refugees, seekers, pursuers of treasure or solitude.

We lost some, but replacements came.
We had visions,
dug in the sands,
built statues,
and huddled together
during rainstorms.

We can never go back,
not really.

We sat on the beaches and were mesmered
by the waves. You taught me how to say
seagull in your language, but I have since
forgotten how.

I turned back to look one last time after the
ships arrived.
Things weren't where we left them.
Voices on the beach carry so far.