You, the Rock Collector

Like a child sloshing up the creek bed,

It is your delight to find my scattered sediment.

Every stone is overturned as your toddler hands

Pocket me—smooth, jagged, colorful, and dull.

You sprawl me out on your palm and gaze before

Tucking me away. You love the sound I make,

Clinking with the movement of your trousers.

You, the Rock Collector.

The ruddy child who sifts away

Until every pebble of myself

Is found, tucked away, kept.