The stones of Dalmatia

Rest a while, traveler,
And observe these stones

Interlocking, convoluted shapes. Curves, convex and concave.
Holed by the constant course of an underground water source.
Wedded to age , sun baked, parched, chiseled by the wind
And richly patinated to a sculptured grey whiteness
Seeming as lifeless as a cairn

These stones are the measurement by which this land is divided,
And enclosed. Here fields were cleared and walls were raised up.
Within these enclosures fields produced the first rich harvest
Of stones, before the vines could cling to the thin soil
And bear fruit. All abandoned now.

Who remembers the labour of the field
Who can remember hearing the chime of the mattock
Striking stone.

Stone,
Millenii spent in a slow state of restless turmoil.
Originating deep in the cradle of the liquid earth.
In our lifetime we have witnessed that final push that lifts
Them from the soil's grip. Stones take on another life
In our hands but what do stones care for our intention.

We have a rhythm and a pulse
A skilled hand selected, placed
And replaced each piece to find
The point where the polarities

Are aligned. Where two stones
Touched there the pulse vibrated
Across the void and we became
One entity, again.

These rocks, raw material, the building blocks of cities and
Monuments, these living stones that enable us to reach out
And touch the hand of our ancestry are here all distilled
Into this intimate shelter,
A sanctuary

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Dalmatia
• stones
• poem
• poetry
• spoken word
• andrew norris
• Zvecaj
• zvečaj

[GilesConradWatson]

I like the idea of a "harvest of stones", and that lovely ironic question, "What do stones care for our intention?" The view from inside the cairn is fascinating: reminds me of the ceiling of New Grange.

[andrewnorris1]

@GilesConradWatson Thanks Giles, that 'caine' is quite extraordinary, sheep shelters, rain shelters I'm not sure. I was back in Dalmatia over the summer and filmed them again, I think there are 3 in the area. The evening light, also, is extraordinary. I hope one day to use this footage in something.

[ronpolla]

stones....talking....like only stones can talk.

[andrewnorris1]

@ronpolla yes, and they do have the most amazing stories to tell. Sorry to be late in thanking you for your visit and comment, I only just found this one

[RimbaudsMoon]

Awesome! You are the new Byron! Incredible poem & poet! Incdedible video! Thank you!

[andrewnorris1]

@RimbaudsMoon WOW, just.... WOW! and thank you. I'm humbled.

[ourDC888]

Again, beautiful! As if walking in a dream while hearing a soothing voice. Thank you for sharing!

[SecretDalmatia]

Beautiful!

[XaveJamesGrey]

The association of stones connecting us with our ancestry is a wonderful image to think upon. Your work is not only specific to its place, but, brings new understanding of my own environment.

[arcanus121]

This is excellent work Andrew. I love the calm ambience and detailed organic imagery. I am also appreciative of your kind and supportive comments on my own work. Thank you.