#rainbow shell

The more I learn about ammonite the more I understand how the Kingdom of Guardia would consider their rainbow shell to be a precious treasure worth secreting away in a hidden royal coffer...

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Algy leaned forward to study the rock pool more closely. He was hoping to see a baby sea monster, but soon realised that this pool, with its bright shell sand and clear, shallow water, was not a suitable environment for such secretive and mysterious folk, for he knew that they only inhabited the depths, even when very young.

There was other underwater life in the pool, however, which provided plenty of interest for an observant fluffy bird with nothing much to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon. But as he studied the sea anemones and watched for other wee sub-aquatic creatures, Algy began to doze in the warm September sunshine, lulled by the soothing sounds of the waves on the beach close by, which on a calm day when the tide was low just rippled and laughed as they played gently on the sand.

And as he dozed, Algy fell into a happy reverie, half awake and yet partly asleep, listening to the myriad sounds of the sea which filled the air around him, and thinking of a strange poem he had once read. Gradually his eyes closed a wee bit further, and then he began to dream a fabulous dream, for he thought that there in front of him, glistening beneath the water, he could see the magical rainbow shell, its glowing, translucent colours impossible to describe, and that among the ocean's happy ripples of laughter he could hear the beautiful melody of its silent song…

In the profoundest ocean There is a rainbow shell, It is always there, shining most stilly Under the greatest storm waves That the old Greek called "ripples of laughter." As you listen, the rainbow shell Sings—in the profoundest ocean. It is always there, singing most silently!