I want the biggest geode coffee table I can get he told the geologist.
Better backtrack I said to my cousin, knowing who he was speaking with.
It is going to be pricey, the geologist warned him, and it will weigh tons.
Not a problem, my cousin told him.
I was shocked, as he lives in a home that does not look too sturdy.
They had to take the roof off of his home.
A gorgeous geode coffee table was dropped into place.
Disappearing into the bowels of the hardwood floors a second later.
They had broken into bits.
The coffee table was now a bunch of little geodes lying in his basement.
My cousin wanted a refund, but he had not read the fine print.
So here we are now, trying to sell these gems for a couple of dollars each
And my cousin is out thousands of dollars
Because he would not listen to me.
Today like tremors having broken
a boulder free sending it toppling
from a cliff in the clutches of gravity
plunging toward the ground
encountering my head on its way down
splitting open my skull as a geode struck
with a hammer exposing my brain
the realization I no longer care
about anything anywhere crushed me
I am a river run dry from lack of rain
revealing for the first time
in over a century the warped
wooden skeletons of steamships
the rusting remnants of vehicles
ossuaries for their occupants' bones
fish flopping as they asphyxiate
finally falling still and lifeless in the mud
which hardens and cracks like concrete
in the hellish heat of the searing sun as you
bear silent witness from the shaded shore
As I walk
through growing dusk
cold wind blows
scattering dry leaves
stones do lie
about my feet
hidden secrets
that I could see
if I would stop
and pick one up
what hidden treasures
might I find
a geode filled
with crystals bright
glittering gems
shining bright
a fossil from
a ancient day
memory of what was
now locked away
perhaps a jewel
there might be
just waiting there
for me to find
yet in the darkness
I do not care
I walk on
do not stop to see
so many stones
have I once held
too many stones
I’ve tossed away
in growing night
as wind does chill
continue I
just on my way
perhaps in dawn
of nother day
shall I search
and treasures find
warm spring day dipping toes in the cool creek I spot a geode; a large specimen, of crystals that I will clean and admire as it rests between my favorite amethyst chunk and the twin crystal, on my mirrored tile,
next to the potted plants.
natures’ offspring
glitters in creek water
sunlight reflects
3-12-2022
A BRIAN STRAND FORMAL Poetry Contest
Brian Strand
Herkimer diamonds
Amethyst, rose, agate,
One of the most well known
Minerals on earth, occurring in every locale
Quartz countertops
Quartz crystals
Quartz geode
Smoky,
Yellow
Pink,
Quartz
Resistant to heat
Glorifying our rock hunting adventures
Coloring our world with beauty
Quartz, fantastic gift from God
Quartz Coloring Our World with Beauty
Herkimer diamonds
Amethyst, rose, agate,
One of the most well known
Minerals on earth, occurring in every locale
Quartz countertops
Quartz crystals
Quartz geode
Smoky,
Yellow
Pink,
Quartz
Resistant to heat
Glorifying our rock hunting adventures
Coloring our world with beauty
Quartz, fantastic gift from God
One who is steadfast with resolve follows the yellow brick road…
Awareness fused with understanding co-creation connection transforms burden’s load…
The Prince is emerging from her kiss, shedding the mundane form of the toad…
The now moment is upon me; reveal the beauty of my inner crystal geode…
Observation requires stillness from stimulations…
Mind relentlessly labels giving meaning interpretations…
Spinning and whirling with confusion creating limitation…
Synchronicity whispers guidance giving clues of desired questions…
What is this vibrating configuration of atoms, molecules and matter?…
Asking…
What I am?
Listening intently guides me upward on Jacobs latter…
Allowing a new vision shatters the glass box implanted within this being…
Blooming my inner lotus love flower is all that truly matters…
Replacing fear of unknown with wonder…
Centering to my heart, connected to the earth…
Giving my love with purity; knowing, believing achieving…
My divine sacred rebirth…
As I move forward fusing with loves wrath…
It is not my desire to mark the previous path…
For I shall reside here in this now moment…
Knowing I am whole; complete, blessed with divine creation components…
Bronze tint glints from fractured
surfaces, peppered planes of salted
quartzite, eons old:
attributes peculiar to rock,
to stone, whose strength
no soft tissue could ever know.
No iodine suntan ever quite
approached that shade, nor ivory
smile's glow blinded
as its glassy show:
To this flinty hardness mind
never swoops; no human heart,
though cruel, could ever reach
its crystal cold.
Appearances can be deceptive,
And to the superficial gaze
The outside seems dull and grey
Plain looking in many ways,
Yet, when a crack causes
Water to seep slowly through,
A Geode can split to reveal
A dazzling sight to view!
Piles of purple crystals
Sparkling in the light,
Such wonderful inner beauty
Now apparent for our delight.
Have you noticed how some people,
Like a Geode, seem as plain as can be?
Yet, if we take time to peer deeper,
Then, what gems would we see?
Perhaps a beautiful heart
We never thought was there,
Where an aching generosity
Is waiting its time to share?
Yes, a warm, glowing inner beauty
Will emerge before your eyes,
A newly discovered Treasure
For you to cherish, and to prize!