For The Love Of Small Countries

[sterling & 14 carat gold]

For the small countries.

The nations I can stroll across in mere hours.
The worlds I can turn over in my hands
hold up to my face
and smell.
For the textures therein.

For the asylum I find when I step foot in small countries,
the quiet spaces beneath folded wings
(the political unrest I feel when we share the air of a space).
Small brown tents pitched by a cold creek.

(For the rich culture of the lines in your hands.
I want to visit your smile again. And again.
I crave the sunsets no one else saw.)

(For the coups you hold over my heart
when you walk through a room
when you cross these borders
and force me to hold up a white flag.)

For international boundaries, passport check stations, brusque military personnel.

For the small countries, 
the countries with ever shifting borders, ever expanding
predicaments,
lively bazaars
and white doves.
For the nation of me and the nation of you.
Small and spinning,
fine and young.

Comments

  1. You are killing me today!

    I'm lying in a little puddle on the floor and someone is going to have to scoop me up with a spatula.

    Sigh.

    Amazing.

  2. Belinda Saville says

    Ohhhh…

    That is about all that my sleep-deprived brain can manage this morning, upon being confronted with such awe-inspiring beauty.

    This and your Dash of Pollen ring are just…

    Ohhhhhh!

    B.
    -xo-

  3. I am glad to have found your blog. I find much delight in the treasures you create — thanks so much for sharing your life.

  4. Desiree Fawn says

    Oh goodness, this makes me think of the forest floor, when I walk through our woods. Just beautiful.

  5. mme. bookling says

    Your soul and studio are on fire! I am totally thrilled about these last two rings you posted. Chills.

    So proud of you for always pushing and pushing and pausing and pausing and pushing.

    It's one of the many reasons I admire you and call you one of my best friends and one of my absolute favorite jewelry artists.

  6. *gasp*

    your work never fails to translates a pool of imagination. magnificent.

    ever pining fingers,
    -lu

  7. Jenn-with-2-n's says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Suzzie Q!!!!

  8. This one truly touches the heart of a small 'country' girl. Beautiful, meaningful piece of art.

    "For the asylum I find when I step foot in small countries…For the rich culture of the lines in your hands…"

    Found myself staring at my hands, wondering if all these years away have made the lines fade…

    As much as home will always be home, where does one go, do you think, when even their country feels too small…?

  9. I adore birthdays. I hope yours is truly gorgeous. Have a magical day, Jillian!

    xx

  10. a butterfly in my hair says

    this
    one
    takes
    my
    breath
    away!
    just beautiful…

    wishing you a
    lovely valentinesday
    and
    last but not least:
    a happy happy birthday
    dear friend,

    hugs

  11. I'd like to think you're talking about Ireland….

  12. The Noisy Plume: says

    Thanks for these wonderful comments, everyone! And thank you for the birthday wishes as well!!
    xxxxx