Memory Stones

“Box of Rocks” by John N. Agnew

From her earthen womb
Gaia gave graciously
Unto my poor mortal hands
Geological viable ova
Older than Hesiod
Unseen by his all-seeing eyes
Unknown by his all-knowing mind
Escaping the narrative voice
Of Theogony

They nest where I placed them
A reverent clutch safely laid
In a gently scooped warm oaken bowl
Organically sculpted
By modern artisan fingers
Each egg of its own
Unique color and shape
Each plucked from the uterine ground
Wherever my family has dwelled

These precious plain stones
Became birth
Became life
Absorbed nectars of joy
And purulent sorrows
Imbued with the intimate
Floods of experience
Cherished as memories
Ready to touch

 

 

(originally posted April 2013)