One
Round and thin ground - not polished – sheens from within
colour the light grey of clouds that promise but bring no rain
Pale orange flecks spittle across its face
But these come after
My first thought?
That it would go far
skipped across the smooth surface of a dam or creek
maybe to the other side
maybe to be held again
maybe
The Other
A rough kite shape, smaller
Quartz intrusion speaking of a violent past
struck by the cross formed
I don’t believe in the crucifix
But I believe in space and time intersecting
A singularity we call the present
Both
Seen amongst millions
Pondered, chosen
Carried up from the sea and
Placed atop a wooden table,
Talked about - discussed and played with
Then one forms a circle around the other
Yes, that works
They’re together again
Found stones
(Ness, May 2011)
And so starts my lovely meditation for this day! Thank, Geoff.
Glad part of me was there to start it with you Ginnie π
Pictures with words indeed. Beautiful and very well written. Love it.
I can relate to that as I’m always picking up stones at the beach, usually the smooth rounded ones in simple black, grey, white or red but also the occasional odd one. I love the freckled blue stone in your picture and think I might have one at home that looks a bit like the one with the cross. I shall go and inquire later π
Thank you π
I love finding stones … especially flat ones for skipping. I love their colours and textures but mostly I think how they feel in my hand. These two are sitting on the table under the monitors as we speak π
Very thought provoking words!!! I think that stones are very often misunderstood by mankind because many are under the impression that they are inanimate objects. I remember one time reading a story or a Roman or Greek myth when high school about a stone statue. How he had to spend all eternity in one spot – looking, thinking, immobile, mut, unable to cry or laugh, helpless to help… – and since that time I have a greater respect for stones in general. Also, I read or heard somewhere that if you decide to move a stone, it is best to ask it’s permission first before actually doing so. (I think it is part of the North American Native tradition but don’t quote me on that.) There is so much we don’t know about the being around us and it is good when one of us takes the time to stop and ponder our actions in regards others. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pause and think!!!
I’m not sure on the ‘stones as animate’ train. I certainly believe they can influence or assist or act as tools or conduits and they’re most definitely not static … but animate? Don’t think so. I didn’t ask these two whether I could move them but I didn’t detect any resistance and I’m always happy that I gave pause and thought time to someone π
You are clearly the wordsmith here, so let me simply say…divine.
Thank you Elena … glad you liked it and that it touched something π
Love the image and the accompanying words. The image reminds me of Andy Goldsworthy, love the materials that nature provides for us to create art with.
Andy Goldsworthy’s stuff is mind-bogglingly good … the patience of that man. You think if I start with two I can work up to it? π
As an inveterate picker up of rocks I was admiring these two gems. Then your words leapt off the page at me.
You have pleased my eyes and my mind today. Thank you.
My pleasure and thank you for telling me π
(and apologies if those naughty, leaping words caused surprise π )
Sublime.
Thank you. Your website contains many fine pictures … thanks for dropping by and I hope to see you again π
NIce composition; you found a great harmony here.
Have a nice day.
Thanks and welcome Dom π
That’s lovely and the picture with the words make it perfect. Reminded me that I also have a little cross stone.
Cross stones are pretty little things … great finds amongst the myriad.