Words and Stone
Above Easton Beach generations
have carved names, initials, messages
in Chuckanut sandstone, witness
to encroaching time. Writers
witness encroaching time, too.
We share words and stories, take
part in conversations spanning
years and lifetimes. We write on
whatever is handy, write and read
our work to tell stories, to be of help.
We carve words, poems and stories
from encroaching time–because we must.
Andrew Shattuck McBride
“Words and Stone” is my August 4, 2012 poem for the postcard poetry project. I used an antique card titled “View from Chuckanut Drive” and mailed it to Carla in Bellingham, Washington. (Chuckanut Drive is just south of here.)
Blessings to Carla and all, Andy
Andrew Shattuck McBride, Writer's Blog 
Nice, Andy!
I appreciate how this poem attends to the “messages” that make up the “conversations” that take place across time among writers. (Makes me wonder what will happen, over time, to all the conversations now taking place in digital form–they’re not exactly carved in stone!)
Hi Jennifer–thank you very much.
I think that is an excellent question. Archivists and historians must be fretting over our digital culture. What happens when servers crash and the power goes out “permanently”? No, these conversations are not carved in stone; however, many are being created with tablets.
Oh, wait– Wow, I’m having more coffee after that one!
All the best, Andy