Wednesday, March 31, 2021

STORY OF A TREE

Weekly Scribblings and we're asked to feature trees.  I have always looked at a weathered old tree and wondered at the story it might tell.  My poem is inspired by Wallace Stevens "13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird".  Submitted to Poets & Storytellers United  March 31, 2021

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STORY OF A TREE

                  It falls from high,
                        small, brown, inconspicuous,  
                     containing promise of mighty oak

                        A seedling,
            young roots seeking sustenance
                growing strong and tall
                                 fulfilling destiny
              Shield from summer sun  
                             dappled shade
on cool, green grass.
                 Natives gather beneath
                   dense leaves provide shelter
                       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 shadow cast on snow
like tentacles
seeking warmth

Now tinged with green
bursting with life anew
the cycle continues
                  

 

9 comments:

  1. This poem is a work of art ~~~~~

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  2. Indeed, what a magnificent thing is a tree, through all its many phases.

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  3. There is beauty everywhere in nature, sadly we are often blind to see it...except us poets of course!

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  4. What a journey - rich images to ponder!

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  5. An epic journey in reading this... love it

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  6. This poem might just be as lovely as a tree.

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  7. I like how you've fit the tree's history into the larger fabric of history.

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  8. Nice path your tree took, without moving an inch. Thos oaks are hardy hardy.
    ..

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  9. From acorn to a tall oak that produces it's next generation - perfectly told here

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