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Monday, March 9, 2015

Poem for Susan




We speak the language of stone.
Quartzite, granite, pumice, slate,
the eternal rake
of tide
and sea.
While we walk,
you point your cane,
bottle caps, wires,
the rusted intestines
of lobster traps,
I fetch them,
ridding the beach of
unwanted accessories.

At home, you pile stones
in plastic containers,
by the sink,
on the hutch,
in a box stored
deep in the basement.
Now, you solicit requests,
and though
I remain voiceless,
you know.
“Get the black stone,” you say.
We bring samples to your bedside,
malachite, jasper,
and a composite,
disparate forms,
fused together.
Just as I realize
these stones 
and love,
will last forever,
again you point.
This time, grey,
etched with striations.
A heart rock, folded into itself,
pocket-sized,
with a hollow
just the right shape
to rub at with my thumb.  

19 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That was very heartfelt. That's a special stone.

Anonymous said...

This is lovely.

Joanne said...

wow - such spirit.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Beautiful, Liza. I especially like the visual of the "rusted intestines of lobster traps."

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Beautifully done and very touching.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Did the stone inspire the poem or did the poem come first. It fits so perfectly.

glnroz said...

I never thought of stones as "communication", but see differently now.

Chrys Fey said...

Wow! Lovely poem! And that picture goes with it perfectly. Thanks for sharing this with us! And thanks for visiting my co-host post over at Unicorn Bell. :)

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Liza, those words have such depth and imagery. Lovely.

Robin said...

I don't know if what you were going for here was Comfort, but I feel like everything about it is meant to comfort. The familiar routine of finding new things. The stone collecting. Comforting a friend who is bedridden by bringing her favorite finds. There is comfort in their beauty, familiarity, texture. Touchstones for our hearts.

Jan Morrison said...

Wow! I know that sometimes it is a long time between poems but when you get up to bat you hit it out of the park! Love this!

Wine and Words said...

Very tender and visual. I was walking along with you, and under my thumb another stone of remembrance.

Nas said...

Such lovely words. You are a true wordsmith!

Gail said...

What a beautiful poem. Especially nice since I love rocks too.

Anonymous said...

Very, very nice. Beautiful writing, loved it!

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

A beautiful poem, Liza, and it describes a beautiful friendship.By the way, THIS Susan and her hubby collect rocks, too, so I especially appreciated your poem.

Happy weekend!

Lisa said...

So very lovely. I carry a small heart-shaped stone my brother gave to me. He found it while we walked together upon the Atlantic shore of France. I cherish it. Thank you so much for sharing this poem, and the images and thoughts/emotions. Also, thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog...

Sandra Cox said...

The perfect poem for the perfect stone.

Connie said...

This is lovely and moving, Liza. Well done!