Poetry

Joe Dolce: Cullinan

Cullinan A flash of light in shaft wall. First thought: glass. Captain Fredrick Wells’ pocketknife released the 621 gram stone, twice the size of any before, named after the South African mine. Remarkable clarity, save the black spot at centre indicating internal strain. Birthday gift from Botha to Edward VII in the presence of the Queens of Spain and Norway. Asscher, the greatest cleaver of the day, broke a knife chipping it into three, then seven majors, ninety-six smaller brilliants. Cullinan I: Great Star of Africa, pear-cut, set in the head of the Scepter with the Cross. Cullinan II: Second…

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