The Yew Tree

FredPeyer

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

  • Author: Alfred Peyer (Pseudonym) (Offline Offline)
  • Published: February 17th, 2018 05:27
  • Category: Nature
  • Views: 217
Get a free collection of Classic Poetry ↓

Receive the ebook in seconds 50 poems from 50 different authors


Comments +

Comments7

  • Michael Edwards

    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.

    • FredPeyer

      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.

      • Michael Edwards

        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.

        • FredPeyer

          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!

          • Michael Edwards

            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.

          • orchidee

            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.

            • FredPeyer

              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.

            • Goldfinch60

              Good write, those yew trees could tell many, many stories.

              • FredPeyer

                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.

              • myself and me

                I can hear the stories from this ancient tree.

                • FredPeyer

                  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.

                • BRIAN & ANGELA

                  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.

                  • FredPeyer

                    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.

                  • Michael J. Schaeffer

                    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.

                    • FredPeyer

                      Thank you Michael, I never read either Hobbit or Lord of the Rings! Maybe I should!

                      • Michael J. Schaeffer

                        I have only seen the movies.

                      • skyebellasario

                        Sorry I missed this superb write Fred, it is so descriptive!

                        • FredPeyer

                          Thanks skye! Looks like you did not miss it after all! Thanks so much for reading and commenting!



                        To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.