I must have been 7 when I first climbed that old willow tree,
The gang called it the club house.
There was Peter, Garry and of course David the Giant killer.
I think that that tree was more of school than school.
It was more a parent than my parents.
I certainly learned more about life, girls and the fear of falling,
Than any other place I've been.
We once placed 5 snake eyed marbles there.
The first was Courage in Adversity.
The second marble was Joy in the good times.
The third was Faith to overcome Doubt.
The fourth was Love thy Father.
The fifth marble was Love thy Mother.
I went back one day, all grown up.
I saw that the council had a sign on the tree.
This tree is regarded as unsafe.
Please beware.
Oh doubt in my childhood. Fear in the every day.
Let not the pangs of daily life ever erase
The treasured moments in that tree.
-
Author:
David Wakeling (
Offline) - Published: January 23rd, 2025 02:13
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 22
- Users favorite of this poem: Cassie58
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Comments7
I have an affinity with trees. The silver birch outside my bedroom window is a sentinel. I understand how that willow tree was a special friend to you and how the memories will stay, long after the tree has gone. Lovely poem David. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for your comments. Always appreciated
A beautiful poem that bought back some happy memories, from the days when all you needed was a tree to have a good time. Often wondered given how old they are, if they could speak, what would they have to say after seeing so much, enjoyed the read.
Yes they are amazing meeting places.Thanks for commenting
You are very welcome
Good write David. I heard a tree joke - What's brown and green, and would kill you if it fell out of a tree on to you? Nope, not a branch - but a snooker table! heehee. Don't know where that bizarre joke originated.
Good one. Thanks for commenting
If every child had such a tree! Hope you took photos of it before it’s gone. Thanks for a well appointed glimpse into your world, oh Giant Killer 🙏🏻👍🏻🕊
Thank you for commenting.Always appreciated
You’re welcome DWa 👍🏻🙏🏻🕊️
A literal succss as a poem and metaphoric as well. Whether seen as a family tree or nature itself the meaning grows deeper rooted when declaired by man unsafe. Our official order be it government, schools, religion tell us what to believe contrary to knowledge given by experience and life. Do we believe the news?
Thank you for your insightful comments. Much appreciated
Excellent write David
Thank you mi amigo
You're welcome David
Such wonderful memories David, We learned so much when out with friends in our childhood.
Andy
Yes indeed.Thanks for your comments
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