Lyric Poem, Poetry, Theme Prompt, Writing Challenge, Writing Prompts

Stone Memory

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Written for dVerse Poetics: Lyric
Petrologies. Our host, Dora, asks
us to write a lyric poem featuring,
if not centering on, rock or stone.

Elephant Rock, Sardinia
© Essential Italy

A titan of trachyte, formed from ancient fire,
Upon a sun-drenched, scrubby verdant shire.
Gray hide of lichen, rough and deeply scored,
A silent monolith, a stone-wrought lord.
Its trunk is curled, a hollowed, shadowed cave,
Defying centuries, the wind, and wave.
The eyes are pits of dark and ancient night,
Absorbing all the lush Sardinian light.
No lumbering giant of living flesh and bone,
But one enduring monumental throne.
A testament to time’s slow, patient art,
This rock holds history within its stony heart.

NAR©2026

Nancy’s Notes: Known locally as Roccia dell’Orso, Sardinia hosts unique weathered rock monoliths, with Elephant Rock near Castelsardo shaped naturally to resemble an elephant carrying a load.

This is “Stone” by Alice In Chains

Poetics: Lyric Petrologies

Everything on the elephant trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicate, and may not be used without permission. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.

29 thoughts on “Stone Memory”

  4. A tour de force, Nancy, both the finely sculpted poem and the “silent monolith, this “testament to time’s slow, patient art.” I felt as if I were standing in front of it, lost in the eyes that “are pits of dark and ancient night” — a gothic romance of stone, formed in “ancient fire.” Truly a pleasure to read! ❤️

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    1. Dora, I’ve never been to Sardinia but I can easily imagine what a glorious sight Roccia dell’Orso must be. This is further proof that even man’s most magnificent designs cannot compare to what nature and The Almighty have created. Thank you for a fabulous challenge and for your very kind and gracious comments. I am most appreciative. 😊

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  7. Thanks for the blast of Alice in Chains, Nancy, one of my favourite bands and Layne Staley had one of the best voices in rock. Which brings me to your poem. I love the alliterative phrase titan of trachyte’ and these lines especially:

    ‘Gray hide of lichen, rough and deeply scored,
    A silent monolith, a stone-wrought lord
    Its trunk is curled, a hollowed, shadowed cave,
    Defying centuries, the wind, and wave.’

    An amazing monolith and an amazing poem!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Nice to meet another AIC fan, Kim; I haven’t come across many in my WP travels! 😁

      I’m delighted to read your excellent comments and feedback. I have a great affinity for elephants and couldn’t pass up the chance to feature Roccia dell’Orso. He must be magnificent in person! Thanks for you very gracious response to my poem. ☺️

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