A Hermit Crab Speaks To Its Discarded Shell

By Leanne Moden

First i believed it was

calcite constricting 

tightening by increments 

vivid red warnings left on tender skin –

digging in.

When blaming you failed 

i turned the knife on myself

slicing my edges 

sculpting flesh to fit – 

making myself sick.

The years it took to 

outgrow you saw my 

softness blistered raw 

but I don’t blame you for it –

we just weren’t a good fit.  

Now, I know that the shape 

inside my shell can be filled 

with unbroken, tender skin

i was wearing the wrong size of life – 

now everything feels right.