Beloved Stones

I often like to share with you my love for plants so green
But I have another love that often goes unseen.
I have other kinds of friends, big and small and round
Smooth or jagged, straight or flat, they do not make a sound.
Behold the stones so old and wise, a wonder to behold.
Strong and dependable, their stories slowly unfold.

So come along and take my hand and walk a bit with me
And meet my friends, the ancient ones, so many we can see.

First, there are the travel stones that greet you at my home
They come from France and Italy, Switzerland and Rome.

Next there are the glossy ones found by my family
​From the shores of Kootenay Lake in beautiful BC!

Right beside them are the ones shaped just like a heart
​Gathered over many years, Nature's perfect art!

And when you walk along the back to a place small but wild
Shells and crystals all love here, placed by a little child.
They are gifts for fairies small, a simple offering
They like to curl up tight in them and softly sweetly sing!

And even a little school you'll find when you bend down low
​A painted stone with colors bright, hidden way down below. 

Across from it a Mother Stone sits under the Viburnum tree
She is named Grandmother Stone and sits there happily.
Her husband is not far away, the Grandfather of them all
He takes you to my comfy chair where you can hear the call
Of finches, robins and chickadees who land on sturdy rocks
Placed in the bird bath carefully, where they can drink and talk!
They land on the stepping stones in the water clear
They drink and bathe there all day long, they are so sweet and dear.

Then get up and walk some more to the sunny side
More stones do line the garden bed, where they happily abide.
The path will bring you to a place where neighbors like to meet
Two flat stones form a bridge for our happy feet.

All these stones are treasures, they are my dearest friends
They've been here since the beginning of time, they'll be here 'til the end.

Perhaps you too will find some stones sitting in the ground
Waiting patiently for you, without making a sound.
Pick one up and say hello and feel it in your hand
It might just have a story to tell of the earth and sky and sand.
And it just might become your friend and share a lesson or two
Of patience, strength and stability, fidelity oh so true.
And put it in a special place to honor it with love
You will give it happiness, a gift from high above.

written by Christine Summerfield
​October 8, 2017