(Emulating the style of Wallace Stevens
Sunday Muse #81
Submitted November 9, 2019
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It falls from high, a seedling
Small, brown, inconspicuous
Containing promise of mighty oak
Young roots seeking sustenance
Growing strong and tall
Fulfilling destiny
Shield from summer sun
Dappled shade
On cool green grass.
Natives gather beneath
Shelter provided
From summer storm
Feathered inhabitants
Find welcome homes
And raise voices in song
Now standing sentinel
Beside pioneer cabin
Amid fresh young dreams.
The child swings
From sturdy limb
Happy and secure
In soft rustles of night
A quiet “who who”
Of resident owl
Taller still, rooted deep
Scarred by time
Cloaked in history.
Dressed in colors
Glorious red
Russet and gold
Now naked in winter winds
Limbs akimbo
Colors pooled below
Stark shadows on snow
Like tentacles
Seeking warmth
Tinged with green
Bursting with life anew
The cycle continues .
I love the progression in this of the life of a tree and all the gifts they give to other creatures. I especially love the title Beverly! This is such a lovely ode to the beauty and importance of trees. I love it!
ReplyDeleteSo, this is a concrete poem, yes? Cos it is shaped like its subject. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteOh I do love all the thirteen ways... But I think there is a blackbird hiding in the tree as well.
ReplyDeleteThe life of trees is a cycle.
I love all the ways of looking at a tree. Loved your poem very much. Lovely to read you, Beverly.
ReplyDeleteYour title and verses give the reader new ways of looking at trees. A tree offers us so much, we should honor those gifts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a story! You pull me through time and season with an expert touch.
ReplyDeleteI loved the journey you took us on and how valuable trees are to one and all. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLovely interpretation of the image...circle of life
ReplyDelete"Now naked in winter winds
ReplyDeleteLimbs akimbo
Colors pooled below"
Stunning writing, Bev. Love the direction you took with this.