Older than the seashells

I loved a fossil once
When Earth was young and tame;
I loved a fossil once -
A creature with no name.

'Twas older than the seashells
And older than the trees;
'Twas older than the first fish
Breathing through its gills.

And old enough it was to be
Replaced with gems and stones;
For life in it had long been gone
- No breath, no dust, no bones.

Yet an imprint still remained
Despite the flow of time;
It was embedded in the soil
And in this heart of mine.

And so the creature could exist
Despite its nonexistence;
For conscience made it bear a name
Affirming its consistence.