Broken Shells

[REW]

Hello mlund,

I really like the idea behind your poem.  I am not accustomed to the sad image of a shell; usually a shell is desirable or enjoyable.  I do think your piece could use some revision and refining to hone in on what exactly you want to convey.  I added some notes alongside your piece.

Life is like a seashell (I think it might be more effective here if you refer to a specific shellfish for example life is a cockle or life is a conch)
Whole, purposeful (I don't know if purposeful works here.  A shellfish service its own niche in the world; it eats and procreates.  I suppose it depends on how you define purpose).
Until one day part of it dies (maybe make this mysterious such as something inside dies or the inside dies)
And it spends the rest of its existence
Constantly battling the tide (It is dead and not actively seeking the shore.  A victim?)
Being beaten again and again by the waves
Until it emerges on the shore
Finally tangible (I am not sure life is tangible as in something that can be touched)
But broken

(I think it would be nice to have a little something added.  A broken shell isn't a pretty one likely to be collected)