Skipping Stone
© 2007
Dan Johnson

Inspired by the 2004 movie “Dear Frankie”


Flat, but not too flat, somewhat obtuse,
But also grippable, and when you

hold it in the right kind of light
it shimmers. The target is to see

how far this pretty stone can
skip across the water. Ready,

aim, fire…there it goes, can’t
wait to see how far it flows

across the blue green surface
on summer’s pond. One large ripple, wide

Are the rings, another kerplunk
And the ring narrows, but ripples

flow like a well orchestrated band,
the third ring, narrower yet, but

still quite impressive. The right wind,
form of arm in the throw, smile on

The face, what a simple joy to watch
The skipping stone, as it joins it’s

Band of brothers, going plunk, plunk.