Onion Stone (Poetry)
02nd January 2012
Long-dead in the earth and cradled
dry — waiting for some geologist to name
each band that formed
old disappointments congealing
the pain solidifying — desiccating
each wrapping a thin silver crust
telling nothing.
On through the calcified rings
they chip their way
peel layer after layer and explore
this mystery hardened to a mute heart
aged in the mouth of secrets
stone keeps its word —
smooth as lies.
dry — waiting for some geologist to name
each band that formed
old disappointments congealing
the pain solidifying — desiccating
each wrapping a thin silver crust
telling nothing.
On through the calcified rings
they chip their way
peel layer after layer and explore
this mystery hardened to a mute heart
aged in the mouth of secrets
stone keeps its word —
smooth as lies.