Mollusk and Mail
A Letter is a joy of Earth––
It is denied the Gods ––
Though Godspeed may prevail
––when it is deemed a snail.
Admire then the Snail––
A coiled envelope that seals
the softness of a living thing
––discerned in words––arriving.
A coiled envelope that seals
the softness of a living thing
––discerned in words––arriving.
~ LCMH
Note: the first two lines are a fragment of Emily Dickinson's writing; the rest is my response to a prompt from "Next Line, Please" to complete the poem. Also published here: https://theamericanscholar.org/a-letter-is-a-joy-of-earth/#.XOpOMaSxWEf