Stone Soup Diplomacy

Stone Soup is an old folk story in which hungry strangers convince the people of a town to each share a small amount of their food in order to make a meal that everyone enjoys.

Stone Soup Diplomacy

Two strangers arrived one summer’s day

To the coastal village of Port Slight

Looking misplaced and most bedraggled

They were such an oddity sorry sight

It was obvious to on looking suspicious locals

They were desperately in need of food

Regrettably for our pair of hunger rouges

Uncharitable attitude was the villagers’ mood

However they had faced challenges before

And both were apt at regional diplomacy

So they devised an action plan to turn

Distrustful seaside folk from their complacency

Down on the shore collected drift wood

Which they sorted into a nice hot fire

Then produced some cooking utensils

Suspending a cauldron overtop with stout wire

This curious activity brought many out to view

The spectacle of four round white stones

Placed into the big pot of boiling water

Vigorously stirred with a ladle made of bone

‘This will be the best magical stone soup’

One of the pleased comrades proudly declared

So followed the filtered seeds of inquisitiveness

Weaved mindset into villagers’ gossip words to share

A prominent delegate was sent to make enquiries

Thus the rascals instantly offered to share the broth

But one said to the other ‘something seemed to be off’

It appears ingredients are missing as there is no froth

‘Can we help’? Said the appointed village inquisitor

‘Yes please’ replied ‘as we have magic stones to spare’

So a list was given to complete the enchanting brew

And enthusiastic collectors gathered all sorts of fare

‘Quickly, quickly’’ the chef cried out ‘save the magic please’

Into the mix fresh vegetables and tasty spices too

Filling the air with the boiling stone soup’s aroma

Men women children even a dog stood in orderly queue

The feast was ready at mouth-watering last

Everyone’s wooden bowl filled to the brim

Then just sat down quietly stuffing happy faces

Engaged greedily munching with great fat grins

(Epilogue)

The moral of this story is very plain to see

It was not the strangers' incredible awesome stew

Nor the stone soup’s diplomatic hidden magic

'Twas open hearted acceptance where fellowship grew

Phillozofee @ 2017

Author's Note

Diplomacy - the art of dealing with people in a sensitive and tactful way

Reviews

[emmajoy]

''Twas open hearted acceptance where fellowship grew.. '

A lesson taught in whispers, tempered by good taste and intelligence. Perhaps a lesson in how to be what we should be if only life slowed down and people looked eye to eye instead of at the ground or technological toys or..perhaps Oblivion has become indifferent even to its owns state.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

tact is a great thing....so is giving---
this reminds me of Proud Mary--"people on the river are happy to give"

the giving spirit is dying out...we need to get it back.

j.