Memorabilia

Suddenly a grain of sand invades an oyster,

peacefully lying in the depths of the ocean,

unhappy a road accident.

Then, to protect itself from irritation,

the oyster quickly covers the uninvited visitor with layers

and layers of nacre, a mineral from which is fashioned

its internal shell.

The grain of sand gains a fine coat, which produces

iridescent and stunning a pearl.

Some accidents like this permeate our lives

on unexpected days and by unforeseen intruders.

Perhaps, similarly, we have made our pearls:

–memorable statues, symphonies and sonnets–

First published in Indiana Voice Journal, August 2016 issue.

Published in Algebra of Owls, September 11, 2016.

Published in Free Lit Magazine, March 2018, The Power Issue.

Published in Rudderless Mariner Poetry, on May 20th, 2022

Published in West Ward Quarterly, Spring 2025 printed issue

Memorabilia by Edilson Afonso Ferreira

edilsonmeloferreira