38. Shedding the Old
Such as the lobster
cracking loose
from its exoskeleton
after moons of moulting,
or the viper that squeezes
out of the skin
of its remembrance,
this oracle invites you
to rewild yourself,
to unbox, detox, and de-
clutter your blood.
Break free from the mold
you made for yourself,
for the animal
in you that craves
routines like sugar,
addicted to the stress
of your comforts. Sling
your arm around the waist
of your discomfort
like it’s a new lover
in these uncharted
seas and distances
untraversed. Take
and give glee.
Summon surprise.
Something whim-
sical this way comes.
It smells something
like wishes wrapped
in wind as you
trod the winding path
through
the forests
of your interior.
Be warned. You will
bewilder beloveds.
Hush. Some
events are better
experienced than
explained. Take soul.
Your joy is your job;
and yours alone.
Hire your
self every day.
Climb into your traveling
shoes knowing that
there, too, will
be dancing.
Copyright © 2025 by Samantha Thornhill. Originally published in Poem-a-Day on July 31, 2025, by the Academy of American Poets.
“‘38. Shedding the Old’ blossomed from this concept of oracle poetics where divination, intuition, and poetry intersect. This poem, in conversation with Whispers of the Ocean oracle cards by Angela Hartfield, is an outgrowth of this intersection. The cards in the deck feature vibrant illustrations of various sea creatures—each carrying their unique, medicinal symbolism and messaging. ‘Shedding the Old’ is the overarching message of card number 38 [in] this deck of 50, and features a lobster. This possibility of poetry as divination helped me to excavate layers of meaning for this card, which has to do with breaking out of one’s own mold and surrendering to the currents of personal transformation.”
—Samantha Thornhill