Perfect Shell

I brought you a perfect shell back from the beach
Sweet in its curl, sharp in its cut
Ivory white
Unharmed, whole

I gave it to you
In the hope you’d see
My gift was whole
Like me

You placed it on the window sill
Above the kitchen sink
And stared distractedly out
No thank yous were said
You’d missed my point

The next day I left
And I wish I hadn’t
When I was gone
You picked up the shell
And put it to your ear
You couldn’t hear the sea
Or me
But you sighed