it is not because
they tower above the horizon
reaching their boughs to the sky
bristling in the breeze
seeing what the falcon sees
it is not because
they plunge into the earth
funnelling through rich debris of life
tasting the currents of water beneath
mired in cool patience
it is not because
they connect in ways we cannot imagine
each tiny cell of every leaf
to the furthest reach of its roots
responsive
ready
it’s because
for every finger that traced a pattern on its trunk
for every head that’s taken pause in grateful shade
for every sigh that’s muttered
tears that’s shed
secret whispered
love proclaimed
laughter echoed
beneath their branches
they are privy to the stories of that soul
syllables of emotion
etched into their leaves
i like to think
that is why
the trees are wise
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We can have all the knowledge in the universe, but it still comes down to only one thing - practice. (Crescent Moon Bear Fable, as recounted by C.P. Estes)
I'm a writer of several genres: young adult, speculative fiction, and non-fiction. I seek to unearth the extraordinary in the ordinary and share what I find with others.
About Me
- Roxanne
- Check out my other webpage that documents my writing adventures: www.roxannefelix.com
Quote of the Moment
A tree gives glory to God by being a tree ~ Thomas Merton
11 comments:
Great piece of writing as usual - i wonder what secrets a tree would reveal if it could speak? Probably the first thing it would say would be "get these squirrels off me!" Seriously - beautiful poem.
Or maybe there's an itch they just can't reach ...
Nice work Honour. I've been toying with the idea of a photo series called, "portraits of trees." There's so much to notice.
M
"Syllables of emotion etched in their leaves" Lovely.They are wonderous creations. Small and large. Lovely poems. I just feel these trees before me.
Yes, on top of having been around for decades at a time.
You know, this poem reminds me of a character in "Shalimar The Clown" named Colonel Kachhwaha (he's Indian). He is plagued with the ability of being able to remember everything and is tortured by it. The trees can do the same, but they have the ability to withhold and manage all.
Beautiful poem Honour.
This is so very beautiful. Truly, Honour, a great poem.
Such bold thoughts
They tower
Plunge
Connect
Beautiful…
And so they stand
Both witness
And Testimonial alike
Knowing the world
From a single perspective
Their thoughts a secret
To be discovered, or denied
At our own peril
DFTP - your question is exactly the question that inspired my poem. i've *always* wondered that, even as a child.
M - a portrait of trees would be lovely! there isn't nearly enough time to notice everything we should ...
Suki - Trees do have a presence, don't they? thinking of you, suki.
clandestine - ohhhhhh,..... that character sounds fascinating. I'll have to check out the book. interesting observation - they DO manage it all. poor trees.
cabacurl and lydia - thanks so much for your kind words. always good to have you drop by :)
bobb - indeed, what do we miss in the world by not listening to trees?? they are indeed a testimony.
honour, i always love your poems about trees...probably b/c i'm such a tree-lover myself.
i'm on my to vancouver island & tofino! land of trees!
oh, i'm glad you enjoy akula. Vancouver Island is the BEST place for trees - especially the Cathedral forest (is that what they all it? can't remember). I'm planning a kayaking trip out there next spring... one of my favorite places in Canada!
when i was reading this marvellous poem for the second time... the beautiful imagery expanded more and i felt it encompasses human beings too...
for us... it's not our fame or rank or wealth but what's happening under our branches... in our hearts that tells the story of our soul...
just we should try to listen to this wisdom... of both trees and humans...
Roxanne... i'd like to repeat that you are so wise...
love to you
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