Aurora Magazine 2017

Jennifer Jewett The Stone Man

I am in a dream, I’m sure of it There is a short straight path before me I peer down the path not sure if I should go forward. There is a fear that I do not understand Through my reverence I start down the path And come upon a beautiful wooden box.

The light reflects off of its shiny exterior As though it is the center of the world This box beckons to me With wonder of what is inside Beautiful and intriguing Like a treasure chest That must hold a magnificent gem I feel a longing to look within I am confounded When I found only a stone man inside.

Whose eyes are closed, Face somber and at rest As if the stone man is dreaming my dream with me It seems the statue is calling to me I am powerfully drawn to the stone man I step closer And touch its smooth cold face The sharp bite of a bitter cold radiates through my hand It seems impossible Because the air is warm and soothing around me I feel sorrow for the statue that I do not understand How miserable and cold it must feel inside I step closer And touch its smooth cold face The sharp bite of a bitter cold radiates through my hand

47