Stewing Stones

You claim to know
the heft of stones
but I wonder--do you
in fact know how to
make a meal of one?

Ever had a lover feed you

nouns from a fast running brook,
verbs freshly fetched from her garden
plot? Maybe an adjective or two
scavenged from the forest floor?

Have you plucked a summer cloud
or winter thunderhead?

Once you do, you'll know
what love's about--
how easily two can make
the tastiest of stews
last a lifetime.

It's a simple recipe,
as old as mother nature;
though you'll never find it
in any modern cookbook--

the secret you see
is imagination--
perseverance to find
the perfect stone,
the one that fits your flavour,
(not any old one will do.)

Feel its weight, roll it round
between your fingers
until you know its very essence;
where it's smooth
or slightly jagged,
the infinitesimal shifts in temperature.
Shut it in your fist,
squeeze, squeeze, squeeze
until it nestles in the hollow of your hand.
Breathe deep, close your eyes,
let it's rhythm join your own heart's
quickening.  Just listen.

Your heart will tell you when it's properly stewed.

Ken e Bujold

2022

Reviews

[W. Barrett Munn]

The last stanza is killer good, Ken. Although I wasn't jolted away, the second stanza metaphors gave me pause. But that could easily just be me.
Winston

[Ken e Bujold]

thanks for the great review Winston. Really appreciate the kind words

[Lydia Shutter]

No, not just any stone will do. Everyone has that one perfect stone that will make the best mélange of life. When two hearts beat together, the stew will last! I enjoyed this poem, Ken. Lydi**

[Ken e Bujold]

thanks for the kind words Lydi

[John]

It's a wonderful idea, the stewing of stones, and the poem is a sort of invitation to the world of the imagination. It shares with JM Barrie's Peter Pan the necessity of belief in the incredible: "The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.”

[Ken e Bujold]

thanks for the review John. I will have to give your comparison to Peter Pan some thought. It is a reworking of an poem of mine, so old in fact that I can't even recall what sparked it originally. Came across it again recently, and still liked it enough to it a serious revision. glad you enjoyed it

[Ken e Bujold]

thank you for the kind review Frederick

[John]

John. You're very welcome.

[Red Brick Keshner]

Loved the easy flow and rhythm of this poem. The ingestion, digestion and delight that can be had from all sorts of "eating." As a 'social eater,' I can vouch from experience the making of and enjoyment of stews. Thanks for sharing Ken.