The Shell Necklace

On the smooth sand,
women threading shells onto string
everything made by their own two hands,
so quiet you could hear the sand blowing.
The sound of the tide going out
soothing calming.
Nothing on your mind
you’re sitting there in silence,
threading shells onto yesterday's string.

Remember when you were the child
waiting for the necklace
your mother was making.
Now, when your child runs up to you
asking if you’ve finished.
The glimmer in their eyes
when you give it to them
and they place it,
cautiously round their collarbone.

Years later,
you still have the one necklace
from when they were three
and you're still creating others.
Threading shells, making more string
and now they're growing up.
Faster and faster
and they've made a shell necklace for you.