Clouds pasted onto the mountain side
Spears of sunlight piercing through
Shadows playing seek and hide
Around the crippled ancient yew
The missing limbs fill empty space
Where tall tales veiled in mist
Linger on endowed with grace
Old memories that still exist
Deadly longbows treasured in times of war
Old furniture showing off the burr
Yew memoirs of ancient lore
Immortalizing this noble fir
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Author:
Alfred Peyer (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: February 17th, 2018 05:27
- Category: Nature
- Views: 217
Offline)
Comments7
A super write Fred - a real gem of a read. . We have the European fir, Taxus Baccata, here in western Europe which we often identify with churches and graveyards. I know there is a Canadian and, I believe, a Mexican yew (must look it up) and I wonder what types you have where you are. Just one minor point; the Taxus family is not cone bearing unlike the fir trees which belong to the Abies family.
Thank you Michael!
I read somewhere that the yew tree was used in the old days to make longbows, and that got me going on this poem. I also checked out yew wood furniture, and the wood is gorgeous. Therefore included both longbows and furniture in the poem. Burr: A burl (American English) or bur or burr (UK English) is a tree growth in which the grain has grown in a deformed manner. It is commonly found in the form of a rounded outgrowth on a tree trunk or branch that is filled with small knots from dormant buds.
Burr yew wood is beautiful and was used for table tops, jewelry boxes, etc.
The yew tree grows very slowly and can live hundreds of years. Because of the slow growth, the wood is very dense, and therefore worked like hard-wood. So now you can say you are a yew expert! 🙂
And no, I don't think they grow in Hawaii, but could not find out for sure.
A comprehensive resume - thanks Frank and yes a wood much prized here in antique furniture - we had an old gnarled yew outside our house when I was a child and was always being warned about the seeds in the berries which are highly toxic.
You know, you can call me Frank anytime, but Fred would be better! :--)
Didn't know the seeds are toxic. Just goes to show that not everything beautiful is good for you!
So sorry don't know where Frank came from - yes it's the seeds inside the berries - if you don't chew them they pass straight through but don't think I'll chance it. Also I believe the foliage is toxic and a problem for livestock.
I know that tree from years ago. Well, I'm millions of years old! lol. Yew have written another fine poem Fred. Sorry about the corny joke! heehee.
Thank you, orchi, not corny at all, love it!
Pls see my response to Michael above, it explains a bit more about the poem and the tree.
Good write, those yew trees could tell many, many stories.
Thank you Goldie! I think many a tree could tell many a story! You are right.
Pls see my response to Michael above, it explains a bit more about the poem and the tree.
I can hear the stories from this ancient tree.
Thank you m&m, yes, it is amazing how we can get attached to trees!
Pls see my response to Michael above, it explains a bit more about the poem and the tree.
I talk to the TREES
And they do listen to ME
Which is more than My Girl Friend
Does sometimes ~ c'est la vie !
Thanks for sharing FRED I love all
Trees and if one sits under them
quietly ~ the rustle of their leaves tell their own tale. Lovely nostalgic
Poem ~ Yours BRIAN ~ Please check my FUSION ~ Thanks B.
Thank you Brian for this very nice comment!
Pls see my response to Michael above, it explains a bit more about the poem and the tree.
Interesting poem. I like the sunlight & clouds as a sign of memories. If I was the author of this poem I would be thinking of the Hobbit or Lord of the Rings for inspiration. Shadow of the Day & Night.
Thank you Michael, I never read either Hobbit or Lord of the Rings! Maybe I should!
I have only seen the movies.
Sorry I missed this superb write Fred, it is so descriptive!
Thanks skye! Looks like you did not miss it after all! Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
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