Placement
Cracked shells
are never found
on the souvenir shop shelf,
but their cracked edges
are unique
and savored
among ancient ruins
and repaired in veins of gold
among the terrestrial,
while their counterparts,
the matching edges,
are lost in the ocean
and ground to sand.
-Robert L. Jackson III
Whew. This piece just made me fall in love with poetry all over again.
ReplyDeleteStrong, strong work.
Imperfections thus uniquely celebrated and preserved. A beautiful take on the theme.
ReplyDeleteYes! Isn't that odd! A new idea/image for me to think the next time someone values something I bought whole might be in 2000 years when it is cracked and broken! But these shells, I see them in their new and ancient placement as well as in their sacred return to the sea.
ReplyDeleteYou totally rocked the prompt, Rob!❤️
ReplyDeleteI come across many imperfect shells on the beach, each with its own story. I encounter many cracked humans on my path, each with theirs. Loved this poem, Rob.
ReplyDeleteGreat perspective. What is cracked might not be valued in one place can be of great value in another. Great poem
ReplyDeleteImperfections so valued. Wonderful reflection.
ReplyDeleteThinking of something being ground to sand is powerful...on one hand, it breaks it down to such a level of fine, nothingness and, yet, on the other hand, sand is still so beautiful. It's profound to think about.
ReplyDeleteA lovely perspective, so in keeping with kintsugi.
ReplyDeleteSo expertly crafted - I loved every word
ReplyDeleteShells used to be plentiful, now in the desert far from the sea, shells are highly prized! Even more magical. I loved this.
ReplyDelete