Simon Perchik
Photo:Yoshikazu TAKADA
Even if these waves are calmed
this rock deserves respect
though there’s no grave
not yet that first turn
to the side, smoothed
the way all night your eyes
stare at the beach, guiding it
to where it was born
already head down, embraced
–this rock is lost, blind
filled with the light
that still cools the sun
takes on its great weight
then pours back the sand
only stone can hear
forget it once was human
and in your arms
would become frail, shatter
just for the name inside
dropping to the bottom
that wants to let go.
