short rounded curves
complied from
ridges along
the base hinged
so tightly shut
when protecting
the contents within
only to open slightly
while gliding
along the bottom surface
catching bits of
nutrients needed
closing as
enemies approach
stealthy towards
only to burrow
deep in the sand
as a way to cover
its entire self
after time
along the outside
it separates to
allow the look out within
to peruse the surroundings
that dangers past
was the match
needed to bring it out
of its shell
revealing something it
already possessed

-Jennie Nawrocki