Comment from Judy Couch

Excellent

Sure they do. We use them in clam chowder which is very good. I don't think they're very happy when they're in the soup. Your point is well made.

 Comment Written 25-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 26-Oct-2016

So's your point! Nobody's happy in the soup.
Thanks, Judy!
Don

Comment from barkingdog

Excellent

Haha!
How clever. He's bored.
Now, even the clams who we have always labled as 'happy' have
decided to voice an adverse opinion.

I love this.
Your syllable count is perfect.
I wish you the best in the contest.

 Comment Written 25-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 26-Oct-2016

Yes, I thought it was important to give the clams' point of view. No thanks yet, but the word probably hasn't gotten down to them.

Thanks for the compliments and kind wishes, barker! Much appreciated!
(I got a late start in the voting, down 4-1 by the time I voted for myself, and thought I was cooked. But a few hours later it was 4-3. Final score - 5-4, tied three ways for 2nd. I think your wishes did the trick. )

Ogden (aka Don)

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Funny! I often wondered about our "clam" expressions. Why do we "clam up?" The same physical characteristic of a closed clam is also the one that makes us think of smiles. Good use of the mention of "speak" in the title and the questionable "happy as a clam."

 Comment Written 25-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 26-Oct-2016

Well, we "clam up" when we keep our shells closed.

Lyenochka, it never occurred to me until you said it, that a clam with a closed-shell looks like it's smiling! Now I know why people say "happy as a clam!" But looks are deceiving, and it's unfair to make assumptions about a whole species. I hope I've opened the eyes of everyone who read my poem. Both of them.

Thanks for your insightful comments!

Don