by Shyla Ann Shehan

Iron Pyrite is the Most Foolish Mineral

It takes an expert to recognize
what minerals are found
in different kinds of rocks—
a special skill to touch one’s tongue
to the smooth or jagged surface
of a stone and know
what’s in it.

I have a nervous habit
of fingering rocks
inside my skirt pockets.
Like the one I pocketed
on our second date—
snatched from the basin
of a fancy fountain
inside the women’s restroom
at my favorite sushi restaurant.
It slipped in easily
and was fondled fondly
with my thumb and forefinger
for the rest of the date.

Later that night I placed the rock
inside my bedside table drawer
but not before I touched it
to my tongue—
delighted to discover
no trace of iron pyrite.

Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay