Experiment 3: Pantoum Poem 

How Pearls Are Formed

Pearls form when a parasite makes

its way into an oyster. As a defense mechanism,

layers coat the being lying in wait

until a lustrous pearl is created

in an oyster. As a defense mechanism,

pearls are placed around the throat, along the teeth

until a lustrous pearl is created

(smooth if ungenuine, gritted if real)

Pearls are placed around the throat, along the teeth

aligned brightly, corners always up

(smiles smooth if ungenuine, gritted if real)

in a row, rehearsed, like cream-clad bridesmaids

Aligned brightly, corners always up,

flowers fresh cut, napkins folded

in a row, rehearsed, like cream-clad bridesmaids,

candles lit and melting like wax hourglasses alongside

flowers fresh cut, napkins folded

so tight they’ve creased, hands folded so tight that

candles, lit and melting like hourglasses, alongside them

seem more solid. Crow’s feet at twenty-three, smiling

so tight they’ve creased, hands folded so tight that

she cannot be held. Tomorrows are an impossibility—these moments

seem more solid. Crow’s feet at twenty-three, smiling

to prepare for a lifetime of mourning.

She cannot be held. Tomorrows are an impossibility—these moments

string her together, recalling history

to prepare for a lifetime of mourning.

A life slowly suffocating under something smooth and sparkling.

String her together, recalling history:

pearls form when a parasite makes

a life slowly suffocating under something smooth and sparkling.

Layers coat the being lying in wait.