Three Stones

-for Mom, Dad, & Groompa

We hiked across the Norwegian tundra

Sinking into wet sponge

Bouncing over the terrain

Like a springy mattress

Following confident strides

Mine hesitant and numb with loss

Spots of green lichen on gray stone

Sprinkles of purple flowers

Patches of white snow and blue sky

We forged on to find three stones

Ancient, patient, waiting

Welcoming your essence

Wild, beautiful, free

You would like it here

Maybe you traveled this road before

Oslo to Bergen

Looked upon these same stones

Set your hand upon them

Felt their cool rough surface

Keepers of time

Now keepers of your ashes

 *2023 Brave as Thistles, Lauri Cruver Cherian