Page 11 - Contrast1977Aprilv20n2

PEARL

;: ~ , ' : ;' :j

The pearl of them all

Wedged between the barnacle-covered shells of men,
Formed through a process of sandy irritation.
Just as patiently as your gestation

Now waiting to be pried from rubbery membrane
Grown tight after so long.

baring to be shucked, plucked, and polished.

No fisherwoman could shuck your oyster.
Her rough lobster claw hands would crush you.
Her muddy boots would trample you.
You might rollout, unscarred,

But be lost in an infinity of petticoats.
She would hide you from her daughters.

A jeweler could give you no lustre better than I.
I could wear you well. complexion.
I would pearl a fine gold chain
And warm you between my breasts.
My skin, virgin to the sun,

Would reflect your here rosy, there pale,

How shall I shuck You? ,
I'll caress your barnacled shell !
rrhough my hands will bleed.
./
Your muscled hinge will relax.
Your mouth will open and invite me in
Where my bloody hands will color your grey.
Gently I'll wash you in sea foam,
Polish you, and wear you well.

- Marcia Coleman