Field of the Speaking Stones

by Larry Chamberlin   Oct 31, 2013


On a field, fallow for generations
no longer stained with the red
of gallantry and heroism
no longer covered in the ebony
of carrion crows feasting.

On a field are Clocha labartha,
the speaking stones, erect, feared,
tall, venerated, even denounced
as pagan idiolatry, yet unswayed
from their inexorable stance.

Upright, immense, facing
as across a ball field,
contestants in a game
more ancient than any sport
known to modern man.

They convey a sacred forum;
here you may stand by one
and face your opponent,
who in turn stands below
the shelter of his stone.

Walk slowly each to the other,
but carry no weapons,
such would be a breach
of the trust accorded you
by the sacred stones.

This is the time to speak
sort out your grievances
with words not swords
for failing that attempt
the field will drink again.

    report violation
4


Did You Like This Poem?

Latest Comments

  • 10 years ago

    by Jenni Marie

    Judging comment:

    I'm genuinely surprised that this poem doesn't have any recognition, it truly deserves it! The opening had my mind flashback to the novel 'a feast for crows' and I wonder if the author drew inspiration from that and then put his own spin on it?
    It isn't often that I come across a poem that makes me take a step back and think, because there is so many ways of interpreting it, yet this poem did exactly that and it left my mind in a maze to begin with.
    "This is the time to speak
    sort out your grievances
    with words not swords
    for failing that attempt
    the field will drink again."
    I can not stress how much I love this last verse! It's so brutally honest and apt that it's quite heartbreaking, truth be told. If only more people thought like this then there needn't be bloodshed each and every day, be it in the name of culture, religion, vengeance and just plain violence for violence's sake. If only people could see that there is no need for any of this, those fields spoken of here would soon starve from hunger and the world would be a much better, more pleasant and safer place to live in. I only hope others read this and adopt this way of thinking.
    I'm a firm believer that no matter how good somebody is at their trade, there is always room for improvement and yet here I can't find a single thing that needs modifying, it's perfect as it is.
    I'm a big fan of both the imagery that has been wonderfully placed throughout this as well as the vocabulary throughout, and though I often find even the most creative and well thought out poems can often be choppy or lack-luster every now and then, this isn't one of them. As I said: perfect. Well done. (

    (P.S Thank you for the clarification :) )

  • 11 years ago

    by Larry Chamberlin

    For the judge who wrote the first comment on Speaking Stones as an HM: Actually, I embellished the story my mom told me about them: Traditionally they were said to answer your questions, but someone asked the same question twice and they've been silent ever since. I felt they should provide a more sacred duty.

More Poems By Larry Chamberlin