Once I was a beautiful shell
Giving life to the creatures of the sea
Tides and time pounded on me, breaking me bit by bit

Then I was stuck nowhere to go...
The barnacles found a place to dwell
But Mother Ocean gave me a second chance

The tides washed me upon the shore
There I lay waiting in the sun, dull and chipped and ugly
Then, you came along and found me

The barnacles were picked, the sand washed off
You polished me up and brought out my luster...
I'm still chipped with imperfections
But you laid me out for everyone to see...
The beautiful colors inside me

Now I'm shiny with colors and gold
The tides have yet to see me grow old
With the tenderness and care you gave me
I am once again a beautiful shell

- Vannessa Thibodeau -