How Pearls Became Bad Luck for Brides

by Christine Irving

  We haven’t even been married for twenty-four hours. 
  Praying mantises have longer honeymoon periods.
  ~ Ali Hazelwood, Bride

Once upon a time, a grain of sand 
fell into an oyster’s open cup.

It felt like the day after carnival—
skin prickled, stomach soured,
banshees wailing faintly in the distance. 

Far and wide trudged Oyster, visiting cave 
after cave, searching for a Sybil
to counter her query.

Seer foresaw the irritation would ease 
but never go away, sold her a cheap
love charm based on the movement of planets.

Wear these ear plugs, she warned.
Be careful! The very first thing you 
hear becomes your true love.   

The oyster nodded her heavy head,
dislodging the wadding.
Outside, a wren  flew out to sea,
singing...