The Shell
By Robert Becker
The knurled course shell
a knife to unhinge
its pearl smooth liner and contents
the guest couldn’t wait.
The shell is cracked open
unveiling liquor sublime
and like a cup held to the lips
for the hors d’oeuvre they wait.
A taste that not all appreciate
for some it looks gross
they certainly won’t try
the main meal for them they will wait.
For those that sit at the bar
to let love slide down
the throat accepting and ready
the entre´e can certainly wait.
The aficionado will savor,
tabasco, crackers and beer,
or a glass of champagne
at the bar while they wait.
Some may find themselves lucky
if a pearl is found
exposing its beauty, a prize,
a lottery for which most of us wait.