How paradoxical!
A seasoned setter of jewels
And no stone setting.* 
Desiring other elements
Than coffined earth
Went light-bodied out
To sea. But the gem
Picked out for me
Green-eyed as a jealous god
Still binds, though it sits
Entombed in its velvet box

50 thoughts on “the ring”

1. Oh, my. What a beautiful, haunting analogy. Goodness.

   1. yes it came together as such from your stonework! thanks De

2. This is the gem: Green-eyed as a jealous god. That cofinned earth strikes fear and awe.

   1. yes and yet we dare steal such gems from the gods

3. This is hauntingly enchanting, Laura: ‘Green-eyed as a jealous god’ is a wonderful description for a gem, especially one serving as grave goods. I like the idea of a sea burial as well.

   1. not grave goods but engagement ring!

   2. I agree with Ingrid. This is beautifully written.

4. I can feel the parallel between the gravestone on the stone in the ring entombed in its velvet box… such parting between living and death, yet so much in common.

   1. we are tied by such deep affections across that great divide

5. Poignant in its sentiment and written with great skill. Again my condolences to you for losing your loved one.

   1. thank you – 3 years this week and the absence/presence is still so poignant

      1. {{{{{HUGS}}}}

6. Oh gosh, Laura. So poignant! The tie of elements, and earth and sea.

   “But the gem
   Picked out for me
   Green-eyed as a jealous god
   Still binds,”
   💙

   1. thank you, Merril, for tying those together

      1. You’re welcome!

7. You kept a piece of the sea and sent the rest to make pearls. Lovely images.

   1. Jane that is pure poetry – thank you

      1. I find fathoms of sea water and pearls much more appealing than rotten wood and worms.

8. I loved the tenderness expressed in your poem. The gem will forever bind.

   1. what a sensitive comment – thank you Bev

9. Moving piece, LB Well done.

   1. as always thank you Ron

10. I love the feeling of this one with eternity locked in a green stone!

    1. nice observation Dwight!

       1. Thanks.

11. The emotions symbolized by the stone–that is the binding agent. The spirit speaks through your words. (K)

    1. I really appreciated these words – thank you

12. A fitting tribute that reveals so much.

    1. thanks Carol – a revelation we all have or will experience

13. Oh that last line … beautiful ☺️

    1. and true but it brings the whole poem round to the beginning.

       1. Yes indeed it does. The circle of life. My husband is Jewish and I am familiar with the placing of stones ☺️💕

14. Great to know about the culture

15. a lot of emotin here, very well articulated . lsenstively done

    1. many thanks –

16. Some things can’t be buried. I thought your quadrille was beautifully worded.

    1. lovely comment – thank you

17. Gosh, this is gorgeously rendered. May I ask on what occasion you received that gem, Laura?

    ❤
    David

    1. a happier time David – my engagement ❤ – the stone chosen and the setting done by younger more stable hands then

       1. very sweet. thank you for sharing.

18. I don’t know where to begin, this is so much emotion and longing and regret packed into the tiny form. Each line hits right in the gut.

    1. every line of your gracious comment was gratefully received x

19. Life’s paradox so tenderly expressed. We hold on to memories and inanimate objects.

    1. indeed – it’s all that is left

20. This is so moving

    1. thank you for being moved!

21. Beautiful and moving piece of writing, Laura.

    1. thank you

22. The green stone in its velvet nest, remembers both pairs of hands. The setter and then the wearer.

    1. so well put Diana – thank you for that!

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