Cracking Up

Crabs have me and snails have me
and turtles have me too.
Peanuts have me and eggs have me
but I'm not the part that you chew.

I crack under pressure, but that's quite alright.
'Cause it makes me feel open and free.
Besides, what's inside me is often more fun than
the outward protection you see.

Sometimes it's the same way with people, they think
that they need me when they are real shy.
But once they break through me and bravely come out,
they find that their limit's the sky.

Whether I am protecting a vulnerable life
or just lounging around by the sea
I know I'm important 'cause folks even named
a big gas station chain after me!

What Am I?



(C) 1998, Arden Davidson