The Small Stone
Is any ripple of water greater than another? Even a small stone makes a swell in the water It is not I that should ponder its rings and route But thank God that the stone has been cast out. - CKSharpe
Clover Gets Lost
Clover was born on a snowy bear moon night in January. The Moon celebrated by sending stardust and moonbeams to Earth to sparkle over the cave where he was born.
Inside the Atler mountain cave, Momma Bear watched over him as he slept on a bed of dried clover. What a beautiful little cub you are, she thought. Your name shall be Clover.
Mamma Bear stretched out a paw as broad as a pillow. With her other paw, she pulled her infant cub closer. She opened her mouth wide and clacked her teeth in a big bear smile. Then Momma Bear closed her eyes and fell asleep.
The sun and the moon took turns rising over the mountains. The cub ate when he was hungry and slept when he was tired. As he grew, he became curious about what lay outside the den. He was excited, and each day seemed long as he waited for springtime.
“I’m going to see if the snow has melted,” said Momma Bear one day. Peeking out from behind his Momma, Clover saw wildflowers and red clover blooming.
“It’s so pretty, Momma,” said Clover.
Momma Bear smiled. “Spring is here and it’s time for you to learn the ways of the bear.”
The eager cub jumped to his hind legs. A grin covered his face as he flung his front paws in the air. He was excited to go outside and see the world.
