Once A Boulder

Spenserian Sonnet

I once was boulder; now, naught but a rock.
Millennia have worn me ~ time's current.
Years pass, smoothed by Earth's geologic clock;
I'm made of matter ~ God's great firmament.

For eons, grinding glacial element,
ancient surface honed ... crushed existence slow.
All history, for man, a moment spent
to fracture stone ~ a planet's seeds to sow.

Volcanic fire to melt the icy flow,
deposits ages gone as aggregate.
From sea to coast and mountains' high plateau;
erupt, then cool ... a process ne'er forget.

So, if you find me, know I've stood the test!
Here in your garden, I have come to rest.

2022

Author's Note

I challenged myself to write something poetic about the dullest subject imaginable. A rock. The 'Bard in Chief' sent this back with just a few corrections and Richard was good enough to let me find my own replacements. I'm starting to get the hang of this form. Poem by poem.

Reviews

[Red Brick Keshner]

Enjoyed that thoroughly, and indeed the rock in the garden has a whole history! And thus having successfully "poetified" the dullest subject at this imagining. I got a clue that the artist's scope covers the whole spectrum of the human condition, be that musing on inanimate objects. Thanks for sharing. /Frederick.

[William Michael Reeves]

Thanks Frederick. I liked this idea so much I wrote two more 'Rock' sonnets. One about gold and one about a sister/brother geode/thunder egg. Coming soon!

[Red Brick Keshner]

Looking for ward to them, Bill!

[willweb]

That was cool and I like rocks so, poetry about a rock is good with me. Now stop as are a different subject. I like the Stones but rock is more my forte. And I have decided on. Mikey R.

[William Michael Reeves]

Mikey R! Wasn't expecting that! Ok. (My brain is turning rhymes over in my mind, which are two separate entities split into three different personalities) It's too late! I just posted another rock poem as you were reading this one which you are probably reading now. But there will be a glacial shift in my subject matter after that. I was never a big fan of the Stones. Yes and ELP are my nuggets. Some Rush when I want to bang my head against a rock wall.

Mikey R. (Your humble falling star)

[Aura]

Interesting topic, a rock. I like how you describe the rock as starting out as a boulder, and nature runs its course making this boulder into a tiny rock, fit for gardens. I found this pariticularly thoughtful because you haven't described the colour or shape of the rock/boulder but more so, described the life cycle... if you can call it that... of the boulder. It also flows nicely too!

[Lisasview]

Hi Michael,
Once a boulder always a boulder….
Boring thing a boulder but it came alive in your fun poem!
Lisa, on my way home after the gym (not the driver ofcourse)

[William Michael Reeves]

Working the body, and the brain ... there in Spain! Thanks Lisa, for the view.

[duff]

Another interesting challenge William. Where I live they can sometimes shut down a highway because of the sheer size. Everything has a purpose. Nice job.

[William Michael Reeves]

Now you just need a glacier to grind them down. And immortality.

[duff]

I like that.

[Neville]

Never tried one of these .. you are obviously braver & boulder than me

[William Michael Reeves]

A poetic punster such as you should have no ... as much trouble as I writing sonnets. It's difficult for sure! I'll help you if you ever want to give it a go. Would help me learn to teach.

[Sami Khalil]

At first glance, I thought you were talking about the wrestler, The Rock. Joking aside, I like where you took us with this. You educated us on many things. You must have lots of those where you live which is a wonder state. The poet sometimes is a product of his environment.

[William Michael Reeves]

I do have a lot of construction experience. Which is to say I've done a lot of digging. They call it glacial till around here. Even Dwayne Johnson would have a time of it. Thanks Sami

[Sami Khalil]

Wowzy! Good to know. You are welcome sir William Reeves.

[tinymoonchild]

Beautiful poem! Reminds me of the saying learn to love a rock before you can love anything else. Very well written I'm somewhat in awe.

[William Michael Reeves]

Thank you Moonchild. Tiny rocks may have started as moons. After deciding on my dull subject I quickly realized a rock's story is actually pretty dramatic. And it is very satisfying to create awe in a reader who has been struck by a stone. A Boulder the size of a tiny moon. Tiny as a child. Read you soon.

Bill

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

Bill, this was outstanding as always! Your poetic words flowed so effortlessly. The ending pulled it all together!

[William Michael Reeves]

Thanks Kathy. That's what I really like about sonnets. That last couplet gives you a chance to sum it all up or create a surprise ending. Twisting the pretzel of words.

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

My pleasure!

[Esther:)]

It’s so deep and beautiful. I really enjoyed reading this

[William Michael Reeves]

Thank you Esther with a smile. Glad you found beauty in the life's story of this rock. I'm sure your rocks have stories to tell too. I'll come read some ...