Although it is small it is greenstone
by Louise Wallace
I am orchids
fruit trees
I can bear more than you think
I am a river stone
and I choose a ring made of pounamu
to remind me
PHOTO: River in New Zealand by David Mark, used by permission.
NOTE: Pounamu (or “greenstone“) are several types of hard and durable stone found in southern New Zealand. They are highly valued by the Māori, and hardstone carvings made from pounamu play an important role in Māori culture. Geologically, pounamu are usually nephrite jade, bowenite, or serpentinite.
POETRY and PLACES 