A mask of vulnerability,
I scheme to pry your heart open like a clamshell.
I think I know you.
My pearl lying sweetly upon the pillow of my heart,
A gift for you.
Cultivated carefully.
Roll and polish it daily
between your fingers.

It's bedtime.
Time to tell secrets in the dark.
I figure you are aware of my exposed chest,
and will notice the pearl,
even though it is difficult to see.
Water stories of lack and lore,
reflect peace.
I listen to your ocean,
help you navigate the wharf,
but when I tell you of mine,
you cut the conversation short,  
grab my neck,
and rub salt into my throat, and my heart.
The pearl breaks like
fine China fragments in slow motion,
an unwanted gift broken before
you noticed the wrapping: Fragile.
I try to smile, blinking salt from my eyes,
I'm fine.
My heart shudders, and shuts down.
I don't even know why I'm crying.
I weep over the fragments of the broken pearl you cannot see...

I turn away as if to go to sleep.
Will I ever find someone worthy
enough to cultivate another pearl.
My eyes flood with water,
you ask what's wrong --
You have no idea.