Skipping Rocks
I can't help thinking you are the star
By the lakes you taught me how to skip rocks
You told me to pick one that is smooth, flat
You said "hold it, turn it to the side you prefer, and then..."
I noticed that we pick rocks off the ground the way we pick oranges at the supermarket
We make sure she is perfect
Take our time investigating her everywhere and everything
The whole time knowing full well we will be using a kitchen knife on her tomorrow morning to
Crack her wide open,
Ground her for our use until she is dry and discoloured.
It is the same thing with the rocks. On my last try I got five skips on the water
You were a great teacher, but the real lesson I learned on my own:
We bring the rock into our arms only to throw it away
Not really hoping that it won't sink
But hoping it doesn't sink immediately.
Not really hoping the rock will fly
But hoping it will dodge death just enough times to make a spectacle for us.
Skipping rocks
Author's Note
Whew, something about this poem still feels so fresh. The orange metaphor/imagery I think was subconsciously inspired by Trista Mateer (a poetry goddess). She has this poem titled 'Oranges' and I still think about it. Follow her on Instagram guys, she's great.
Speaking of people who are great, this week's dedication goes to destacia because I was a huge fan of hers and now she's reading my work and it's very surreal. Her book 'The One Without Words' actually inspired Godspeed, folks. Yeah, you have her to thank. So this is very full circle. I have nothing but love for you destacia!