The pearl's a frozen shard o skaith,
The ovum, in the oyster reest,
A glimmerin orb o clammy daith,
Pierced canker, in a rendrin breist.

Cauld gem, the wastrel ocean's bairn
O aa the ferlies kent on earth
Seeded in anguish, sired in hairm
Oh wha wid envy sic a birth?