Broken Sea Shells

I am a broken sea shell
forgotten upon the beach
waiting perhaps for the tide
to pull me back out to sea,
and scatter me across the
four corners, occasionally
birds arrive picking over
my fragments contemplatively
before flitting off,
dancing away from the waves,
footsteps pass over me
unnoticing while vulture-like,
eager, delicate fingers
seek their own treasures,
perfectly round sand dollars,
the noble conch waiting
to impart its secret knowledge,
memories saved within its
hidden chambers,
but then unexpectedly
there is one who stops
with Manannan eyes  
you see what others do not,
with careful intention
you collect the shattered pieces.