Prologue

This is the Legend of the Periwinkle Palace

As told by the Mermaid Mzphyphyr

To the Littlest Shell Sea Child,

As it was told in the beginning amongst the Mermaids –

Silver Shell Sisters who live in the sea

Surrounding the island called

Periwinkle.



Dedication

“Look and listen

My Sweet Chelsea Child,

This legend is said

To be true.

So:

Here-to-fore
And
Forevermore

Is
My valentine

To you.”

Overture



Long ago
And
Far away
And once
In a nick of time,
And long before
This water colored
Rhapsody reasoned in rhyme,
On an island called
Periwinkle,
In the
Center
Of the
Silver Shell Sea
The legendary
Periwinkle Palace stood
Surrounded by Segosen Trees.

This turquoise and silver-laced
Legend of Love,
Was in an enchanted sphere,
An intangible shell
With a six-sided spell!
Twas visible? –
Just once a year!


On Saint Valentine’s Eve,
‘Twixt twilight and night,
The spell
Of the Silver Shell Sea, -
Enticed a trance! -
Strangely enhanced!
By a looking-glass galaxy!

And you could see
Further-than-forever, -
Caught! –
In a quiet embrace
Of Sky-in-the-sea
And
Sea-in-the-sky,
Forever! Interlaced!

‘Twas said:
“On St. Valentine’s Eve,
Should you chance to be
In the
Center
Of the
Silver Shell Sea,
If your heart is pure,
Your wish is sure
To come true! –

Accordingly.

And, if the island called Periwinkle
Should appear in Silver Shell Sea,
The promise thereof:
“This island of love
Will welcome you! –

Royally!”