I don't know whether I've ever posted this on Conch-L or not.  But it is
good enough to post again, for those who collect shell quotations.

Sylvia S. Edwards
Huntsville, Alabama
[log in to unmask]

 Creature, how marvelous you are -- and, oh, how you amaze me!  You are the
artist unsurpassed, the architect sublime!  No humble above for you, never!
For you, a castle, custom designed, perfect in every way -- and color,
glory, you do have an eye for color!

 I've found many of your abandoned castles, and, always, I'm filled with
wonderment at your magical efforts, (and how can I but believe in magic
when, there, I hold it in my hand?!).

 Yes, Creature, you are magic.  And the name by which we call your castle is
much too humble . . .  Just listen to this definition -- Shell:  (Webster's)
"a hard, rigid, usually calcareous covering of an animal."  How inadequate!
Better it were -- Shell:  (Believers in Magic) "a castle; a beautiful
dwelling place for mysterious and wonderful creatures which abide in the
sea, and, which, when abandoned, wash ashore, becoming magnificent offerings
to treasure seekers and lovers of magic and wonderment."  How much more
fitting!
 What more can I say creature?  You just amaze me!

© Annie Designs, Inc. 1980