pearls and swine

i had this string of pearls
in my glove compartment--
with a simple silver clasp.
on my way home
i came to that stoplight.
we all know that one
the one that takes forever.
i sat there with my windows down
rolling the pearls in my hands.
there were years of work strung up
put on display
to be worn on your neck. i took the end of the strand
and put it in my mouth
tasting the oysters dedication.
as each one rolled over my tongue
and grated up against my teeth,
i sat and knew you were wrong.
but
one by one
i popped a pearl off and dropped it out the window.
no cars had pulled up behind me and the light had gone through a few
cycles
but i waited
listening to the engine idle and
feeling early morning wind lick my ears.

all i'm left with is that
simple silver clasp.