P is for…a little Hawaiian song called Pearly Shells. Sung by a number of people but in this case by Burt Ives who was a favourite of my Poppa. Pearly Shells was “my song”. Our version of I love you to the moon and back.
Pearly shells, from the ocean,
Shining in the sun, covering up the shore.
When I see them…my heart tells me that I love you,
More than all the little pearly shells.
For every grain of sand upon the beach,
I got a kiss for you.
And I’ve got more left over for each star,
That twinkles in the blue.
Hearing it make me feel five years old again, sitting by my Poppa’s side in the car. Heading to the beach for fishing in the tinny or the river for billy tea and biscuits. Maybe a road trip to a faraway camping spot in which case Pearly Shells would be followed by A Little Bitty Tear, Funny Way of Laughing and Goober Peas.
I loved my Poppa more than all the little pearly shells. He was Harry Butler, Johnny Cash and Bill Oddie all rolled into one. To others a more complicated, complex man, not always forgiven but always unforgettable. For me though, Burt sums him up perfectly.
Pearly Shells and Goober Peas.
xxx
She Doesn't Wear Her Shoes... 