Carapace [December 2006]

glimmering ochre
shimmering gold
green iridescence
your carapace shines

beautiful isn't it?
sleek shell reflecting
shadow and stargleam
flameflicker on armor

so many are drawn to it
entranced by the play
of shifting light
on shell-skin

dance around your outer edge
first staring, now touching
not knowing they only touch
the walls

I want to see inside
to pull apart your carapace
expose the vulnerability
of self

and touch
the core
within