Sonata in Stone, underfoot: behold a few visual echoes from nature, seemingly composed in the key of longing. These rhythmic patterns captured me, years ago, while walking California’s Jamala Beach.

They could be dancing musical staves—minus the clefs and rests and notes.

Moiré-like in pattern, they could be petrified silk.

Or stony scrolls for the heads of cellos.

Why a sonata in stone?

The word sonata (from Latin and Italian: sonare, “to sound”) denotes an instrumental composition comprising:

• three or four movements
• contrasting forms and keys
• optional introduction and/or coda, or tailpiece

A sonata da chiesa (Italian: chiesa, “church”) was traditionally composed for worship settings. Music played for the glory of God. Without words.

In these troubled days so many conflicting words commandeer the air waves—despairing, mocking, promising, militant.

What about a time out? Let’s identify whimsy. Virtue. Everyday largesse.

I invite you to absorb the implied music in the photos below.

What do you perceive between the lines? How might God expand your perception? What prayer might you offer that we could pray alongside you?

I see the floating hems of an oil slick . . . May we cherish and guard our local bodies of water, Amen.

 

I see organic brain scans for dementia . . . May grace companion our loved ones who suffer, Amen.

 

I see a Topo contour map . . . May we aid a loved one or stranger braving the ups and downs of this day, Amen.

Despite all that divides us, much remains that we can agree on.

Will you gift us with an observation and petition or blessing in the comments below?

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