days of stone

Tag: children

  • for all the fathers who show up

    —

    by

    Ryan Stone
    in

  • In the Shade of the Tree Ferns

    —

    by

    Ryan Stone
    in

    No path here.Just damp earth,moss on stone,and the slow, deliberate hushof growing things. Tree ferns arc overhead,fronds wide as arms,filtering lightinto something sacred. I brought my sons here,when their legs were smalland full of mud.They squatted in the black soil,drew patterns with sticks,found joyin a single wriggling earthworm. The ferns, the filtered light—none of it…

  • The Way They Run to Her

    —

    by

    Ryan Stone
    in

    It’s not a question,just instinct.A scraped knee,a bad dream,the kind of achethey can’t name yet. They run to herlike rivers find the sea.Like they always knew the way. She doesn’t brace.Just opensarms, voice,that face that saysI’ve got you. There’s magic in it.Not the wand-waving kind,but the kind that knowswhich night light to leave on,how to…

  • Letter to My Sons

    —

    by

    Ryan Stone
    in

    Boys, When the fire comes—and it will—don’t run.Stand your ground. Feel the heat. Know what’s worth burning.Not everything you carry needs to be saved. You’ll be told to move fast, talk loud, win more.Don’t listen to that.The quiet men are the ones you want near when things fall apart. If your hands shake, that’s fine.So…

  • Fall

    —

    by

    Ryan Stone
    in

    amber leaves tumbling down the path— empty nest Ryan Stone

  • Priceless

    —

    by

    Ryan Stone
    in , ,

    At the garage saleCherished toys in an old boxA man asks, how much? Ryan Stone

  • Wild is the Wind

    Wild is the Wind

    —

    by

    Ryan Stone
    in , ,

    She sets down her penChaos and joy tumble inHer boys and the wind Ryan Stone