Stone Soup

Where young artists paint the world with words

The international magazine of stories, poems, and art by young writers and artists. Published continuously since 1973.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay updated with our latest stories, poems, and news delivered to your inbox.

Forgive Me

Forgive Me kneeling guy

Something so strong,
Not the sharpest knife could spear,
Not the heaviest club could knock out,
Not the strongest python could strangle,
But with one word I detached our friendship.
Now I must ask forgiveness.

Deep as the ocean,
Meaningful as a smile,
I must ask forgiveness.
I must stitch together the wide rip,
With words so powerful,
Lions will bow down.

Forgive Me Zoe Paschkis
Zoe Paschkis, 12
Newton, Massachusetts