new shell

a shard of light sneaked under my skin today,
it broke, spread on entry and melting, leaked out again:
but on its way it burned a trail of simple delights,
it warmed and tickled
hidden thoughts and loves right
out of their snug oblivion. like hermit crabs, shyly, they stirred,
relinquishing comfort and protection. moving out, scuttling on
to something new, they braved vulnerability under the scrutiny
of merciless emotion, flowing as chattering streams of confusion;
through the hours.
the light moved deftly on
deaf and omniscient, blind
to the trail of searing beauty
left in its wake.