Rock

A poem in the shape of a rock that reads as follows: We go through life like rocks in a tumbler Constantly getting thrown around and around Undergoing unforeseen challenges in this adventure Until all the rough edges of our being are finely ground Going through phases of course grinding and fine polishing Enduring until we are smooth and our surface is free of blemish Perpetually wearing down until we radiate energy that is astonishing Willing to sustain all of the suffering and pain for the worthwhile polish Refining and homogenizing what our eyes can see is only the first stage The layers that are hidden deep within require a more tedious method The next steps come when you are brave enough to turn the page Once your true self has been found and you are authenticated Some rocks are harder and take longer to polish and grind They are the ones that end up having the strongest shine Displaying a genuine aesthetic that is hard to find With their true selves they are willing to align

Inspiration: My rock tumbler and  Michigan Rocks 

 

I had to take a month-long leave from work in 2021 and needed something to occupy my time. Michigan Rocks inspired me to purchase a rock tumbler, and a new chapter of my life began to unfold.  

 

A chapter that included a spontaneous trip to Duluth to hunt for Agates in the freezing waters of Lake Superior in late October.  

A chapter in which TSA stopped me because I had a 5-pound rock in my backpack that looked oddly suspicious. 

A chapter about starting a rock collection, making me an even bigger nerd than I already was. 

A chapter of adventures I would not have otherwise taken. 

A chapter that I wouldn’t trade for the world. 

And it happened because of an unfortunate situation. 

 

Sometimes the worst situations lead to the best moments, when you are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Stick through the rough patches in life and you might be surprised by the ending.