Small Rituals: Poems

by Ryan Stone

Small Rituals is a deeply moving collection of thirty minimalist poems by Australian poet Ryan Stone. Each piece is a quiet act of remembrance—an altar made not of marble or gold, but of flickering lanterns, river stones, folded letters, and ash.

Drawing on elemental imagery and subtle cultural echoes—from Japanese lantern ceremonies to Korean ancestral rites—these poems carry grief with reverence, not sentiment. With sparse, lyrical language, Stone guides readers through the quiet terrain of the shirt that no longer fits, the boat that slips its rope, the ember that still holds heat.

This is a book for readers who find power in stillness. Who understand that not all goodbyes are loud. And who know that sometimes, the most sacred spaces are the smallest ones.

46 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

“Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” ― Anton Chekhov

Reviews

[Kelly Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan’s poems in Small Rituals are a quiet softening to the soul, eloquently crafted little gifts to the world. Ryan writes grief into beauty, showing a lightness and grace in his words- like a whisper of gratitude. Such a delightful poetry book that left me enriched. So lovely to learn of the different cultures, as a guest through Ryan’s memories and journey. Thank you ☺️