picking cowry shells

while wandering in eternity

i happen to be shipwrecked
and was surely stranded
in those isolated islands

whose seas i sometimes easily crossed

by swimming, at other times struggled
much to escape those pounding waves
clutching currents, and swallowing whales

when i did not have to battle monsters

desperately desiring to make short
my looming living, i spent my moments
picking cowry shells, smooth and glossy

these shells attracted me, ceaselessly creating

a tranquil music in a terrified heart
with a sturdy hope in mind, one day to trade
them for a better life in a yonder world

henry victor 04.01.2003