From The Cockpit - The Irritated Oyster

Just a whimsical notion abut oysters talking about their "jobs."

The Irritated Oyster

by Cap'n meryl

This poem was written and recorded by Cap'n Meryl. Click the play button to hear it.

THE IRRITATED OYSTER

For my parents, Bette & Gordon Getline
on their 63rd Wedding Anniversary

'Twas a beautiful day in the middle of May, beneath a shining blue sea.
A family of oysters was gathered together enjoying their afternoon tea.
There were peanut-butter-and jellyfish sandwiches, oyster crackers and soup.
There was Mom and Dad and a mother-in-law and two kids in this undersea group.

The Dad was named Stewart the mother was Pearl; the kids were named Shelly and Ray.
The Mother of Pearl was visiting them; she was just in town for the day.
The Dad was a happy and sensitive guy; most of his friends called him "Stew."
His lovely wife Pearl was sweet as could be and the Mother of Pearl was, too.

Today during tea though it seemed quite apparent that something was badly awry.
Stew wasn't speaking and wore a big frown; he emitted a terrible sigh.
"What in the world is the matter with you?" his sweet wife named Pearl inquired.
But Mother of Pearl wasn't worried at all, for she and Stew had conspired.

Stew and his wife had been friends growing up; theyd been married a great many years.
They shared secrets and hardships and good times and children and wishes and laughter and tears.
Tomorrow was special and Stew had been planning their tenth anniversary day.
His gift was distinctive and took him great effort to make it his very own way.

The kids couldn't fathom their Dad being grumpy for he was unusually kind.
He helped them in school and was generally fun, but today there was much on his mind.
He was lost deep in thought and his face was all scrunched and he had a strange look in his eye.
But nevertheless he said, "Please pass the tea and I think I'll have more of that pie."

"Daddy whats wrong?" asked the kids Ray and Shelly. They really wanted to help.
"Why don't you kids go and help clear the table and then go and play in the kelp?"
"Don't worry, kids," said the Mother of Pearl. "Your Dad will be fine as can be.
He has a surprise for your mother; just wait and be patient, tomorrow you'll see."

So the kids washed the dishes and played in the kelp and eventually went off to bed.
They thought and they worried but then they remembered what Mother of Pearl had said.
"Don't worry," said Shelly to kid brother Ray as they brushed their teeth before sleeping.
"Mother of Pearl knows something we don't; she must have a secret she's keeping."

And sure enough when the morning arrived there were no more traces of strife.
Instead there were smiles as Stew kissed them all and then held out his hand to his wife.
"What is it?" cried Shelly and Ray in excitement, "C'mon Mom please let us see."
And there in her hand was a luminous pearl; it was lovely as lovely could be.

"Dad how'd you do it? We want to learn, too!" cried the kids with sincere admiration.
"Your mother, sweet Pearl was all that I needed; she was my whole inspiration.
I've been working for years now to make this day special; I wanted to give her the best.
From one tiny grain I have added and built for ten years and can finally rest.

There is only one jewel that's made in the sea, and only we oysters can make them.
It takes many years and we have to be willing to put up with some irritation.
For into everyone's life there are things that may hurt and that may make us sad.
And when they appear we must stand very tall and make something good come from bad.

For oysters it's sand that gets under our skin; sometimes it's hard to abide.
But just when we think that we're losing, we win and the sand washes out with the tide.
Our business is old and quite proud you should know and was passed by my father to me.
Each Dad shows his kids how to cultivate pearls in this factory under the sea.

This oyster tradition born eons ago which is still carried out yet today
Will live on forever; the next ones to learn are two children named Shelley and Ray.
So kids study well and stay off the half-shell and don't indulge in libations.
And some day a pearl of your own you will make, the reward for your own irritations."