The Bucket's Half Empty

Shimmering micaceous inclusions beckon:

another rock for the collection, I reckon.

Along with twenty thousand more -

all unique finds, personal scores.

Long miles stretch past me leaving cities behind

I’m searching the log roads for a mineral find!

Elevation gained, clouds now at my feet

even with chill winds carrying rain and sleet

I’m looking for more, none may be missed!

My bucket’s half-empty; I’m a rock pessimist.

What’s this? An old quarry strewn with tumbled boulder?

A treasure trove indeed to the eye of the beholder!

Pockets with calcites and crystals with twins

Tempt my rock hammer and chisel within.

As light starts to wane and the heater now calls -

the bucket is full! I’m an optimist after all.

Author's Note

Published in Rock and Gem magazine's Field Notes section