My sense of trust was dislodged early last year.  Intent on rediscovering optimism, I selected a smoky quartz from a collection, drawn to it by surface scratches, honoring imperfection.  Smooth to the touch, translucent and shadowy, it’s imbued with the earth’s radiant energy and absorbs the warmth of my body.  A faithful companion.

It’s when I hold it up to the light that I witness the intelligence inside.  Shadows giving way to memories in suspended animation, a neural network splayed in seeming disarray, shards mirroring surface scratches.  Flaws brilliantly revealing themselves.

Cut off from the light
Uncovering mystery
Revealing itself.