[Editor: This poem by Mary Eliza Fullerton was published in Moods and Melodies: Sonnets and Lyrics (1908).]
The Nautilus Shell
Tossed on the foam ashore, skiff of the sea;
What is your wondrous tale? Tell it to me.
Dainty and delicate, were the waves rough?
But you have ridden in safely enough.
Never a crack or break, fairy-like shell;
Your gentle genii have guarded you well.
Tell me what magic ’twas wove your fair frame,
Where went your tiny guest? Say how it came.
Had it its spans of strife, raptures of love?
Thin guard with charmed life, where did it rove;
Tell of its nights and days, deep sea alarms;
Tell me of coral caves, mermaiden charms.
Tell of the creature that shaped you its home,
Made you with mystic skill, carved you from foam.
Frail little shield and guard, waves must be kind,
Rocks must be gentle and tender the wind.
Tossed by the sea ashore, here you lie safe,
Tell me your magic tale, dainty white waif.
Source:
Mary E. Fullerton, Moods and Melodies: Sonnets and Lyrics, Melbourne: Thomas C. Lothian, 1908, pp. 50-51
Editor’s notes:
genii = in Roman mythology, a spirit who would guide and guard someone for their entire life; in Arabian mythology, demons, also known as jinn (plural of jinni or genie); in fairy tales, magical spirits who grant wishes (plural of genie); a guardian spirit of an institution, place, or nation
skiff = a small boat (of various types, whether powered by a motor, sail, or oars)
Leave a Reply