Shell

I am the vase of God, he fills me to the brim.

 He is the ocean deep, contained I am in Him.

Angelus Silesius

Shell

by Elece Hollis

Abandoned ocean-floor house,

Washed clean and forsaken

On the waiting sand,

Eternally echoing the voices of the sea;

Ruin of a once-happy home, 

Roof sagging in,

Windows gone—children gone,

Silent with daffodils

Still nodding each spring;

Short dress—without sleeves,

Worn pretty at the sophomore dance,

Bright in her memory’s eye, yet faded by time;

Empty remains of what once was full of life,

Of herself—a shadow,

Without love—without hope:

Of himself—a sad crust,

Without voice—without song,

Without God

Souls are left empty.