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.

THE EMPTY COP

Once a cop, now he mows grass.
He was once fearless and brave,
now he fishes off the bridge and
sells oysters to local bars.

Not his shiny patrol car
but his wife’s old sedan,
not a sheriff’s star
but sticky sand.

He still dreams of his siren as
the lawn mower rumbles.
Rich people’s gardens are his
last assignment.

Tatiana Rebecca Shrayer
Tatiana Rebecca Shrayer, 13
Brookline, Massachusetts