Stone and Wave, 1999

he’s always been the rock

the solid space where I can stand

where my waves can wash over

the water pooling in small cracks and crevices

held safe for a time

then retreating, returning

splashing and shattering

wearing the stone down over the years

softening the edges

a great big rock

that will last a long time

and I’ve been glad of it

I wouldn’t want him to wear away too quickly

(am I growing wearing?)

but sometimes I think

how nice it would be

if I were the rock

and he were the waves

smashing and spattering

for a change.

*****

M.A. Mohanraj

June 5, 1999