The Gift of a Stone

Blood Lines Poem 2

Here is a white pebble.

A gift from Iona’s shores,

a promise of hope

from my past to your future.

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Take it. Turn it in your palm.

Let it soothe you. 

It’s a soul-healing stone

absorbing your fears and doubts.

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Here is a white pebble.

Examine its flaws and chips.

The salt of your tears

dries forming crystals on its surface.

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Hold it gently.

It now sparkles,

taking your worries

to be reclaimed by the Earth.

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Here is a white pebble.

Treasure it.

It is a heart stone

of eternal love.

Prior to going into hospital, I was given this beautiful stone by a close friend. It went with me into every hospital visit. No plants or flowers are allowed on haematology wards so I brought with me this stone, a shell and a cone. It was a way of keeping nature close to me. The poem is inspired by Carol Ann Duffy’s “Valentine” but ended up completely different in every way.

How many of us have a picked up a stone and put it in our pocket at some point in our lives? I’m fascinated that we as a species are attracted to beauty in texture, weight, feel and appeal. I’m still on a life long quest to find the perfect rock…

Flynne’s Barn is a place where young people living with cancer can come together and find connection in beautiful surroundings and provides a range of immersive outdoor and creative experiences. I am sharing one poem per day during September 2022 to raise money for this charity. To DONATE, visit my GO FUND ME page. Many thanks.

MacMillan Cancer Support is an amazing website and support service. It’s my go to website for anything cancer related. I’ve had help when I’ve been ill, advice about finances and much more.