”I wrap three stones in red”

Lines+Stars: A Journal of Poetry andhttps://linesandstars.com/ Short Prose has published my poem “I wrap three stones in red” in the Fall/Winter 2023 red themed issue. The poem describes the Japanese practice of mourning those who do not live to breathe. Traditionally, a stone statue of Jizo, a bodhisattva associated with children (also travelers), is dressed in a red cap and bib. When a statue is not available, three stones can be used to create a small figure. It’s a powerful practice for mourning.