A Stone’s Throw

Stone in hand

Oblivious to its weight

Oblivious to its origin

Highly-motivated aim

Thoughtless trajectory

Silent with an uncertain shadow

Impact, all revealing ,       Undeniably shattered ,        Regret tangled in debris.

B. Toner  July 2017

 

A Stone’s Throw

Regret is a heavy burden and not necessarily a great teacher. It hides from the decision process and only reveals itself upon impact. I need to admit that many of my actions are emotionally charged and therefore regrettable.

People in glass houses right? Let the one who has no sin throw the first stone!  Great advice! If I took time to examine that Stone before I tossed it…….

Is it well polished from the long time I’ve carried it in my pocket? Does fresh soil still cling to it? Did I leave a hole from where I dug it ?

Sometimes I throw myself completely into it, using both hands. At other times the pebble is so small I can toss it without effort, usually without care.

I can throw it far and easily ignore the results. Walk away without watching it fly. I can stand too close and eagerly watch it shatter the target.

There is always wreckage.

Too often, I neglect to roll the Stone in my hand.  With thought, weigh its consequences. With practice, calculate the distance to the result. With effort, maybe measure the impact. With intent, control myself and turn my action into inaction. With compassion,  avoid the destruction.

I can learn to put down the Stone..