WITHIN
But little modified by time
and planted there by ancient hand
palimpsest trunks of oak and yew
still etched with vows when love was new
in leprous isolation stand
behind the walls where church bells chime.
.
-
Author:
Michael Edwards (
Offline) - Published: March 12th, 2018 01:35
- Comment from author about the poem: Written in octosyllable with rhyme of abccba - not sure if it complies with any particular form but I really like the format. If one doesn’t exist I think I may claim it as my own; I’ll call it the ‘Edreflect’ form lol. _________________________________________ I do like the word ‘palimpsest’ which is nowadays out of use but goes with the theme of the ancient trees – it means: something which has been superimposed on something else where the earlier form or writing (in this case the etching in the bark) is still visible
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 28
- Users favorite of this poem: Laura🌻, Lorna
Offline)
Comments6
Michael,
This is a great write enhanced with a beautiful painting!
It has resuscitated a
few memories...especially
carving my and my husband’s initials onto our favorite oak tree many moons ago! I like the ‘Edreflect’ form! 😉
~Laura~
Thanks Laura - as a form it does have a certain elegance which appeals to me but, like all forms, the restrictive nature makes it quite a task to write - this one took ages.
Well, as I said, you did an excellent job! If it took you ages, it would take me centuries!
Super write Michael. If only trees could talk the tales that they could tell would be mind-blowing.
Wouldn't it be great - especially those old yews in church yards. thanks Andy.
A fine write and pic Michael. I can understand it took ages. 'Tis why (bit poetic there!) I often stay with rhyme of abab - or abababab..... if I waffle on, never making it to ab-racadabra!
Ever Tried rhyming the wrong way round - the rhyme is at the beginning of each line - might give it a go myself - might have struck on something here. An abracadabra moment.
Unhappily I etched in one tree 'I LUV KP' - now I've married her. Arrgghh!
I know the tree - I think I barked up it once.
"Except for ANGELA ~ I think
That I will never see ~ A thing
As lovely as a TREE ~ AMEN !"
Thanks Mike the power of PIC
'n POEM ! Love the analogy in
the Poem ~ Trees become pews
in Churches and we all become dust
C'est la Vie ~ C'est La Morte !
Thanks for Caring & Sharing
Yours BRIAN
What goes round comes round - cheers Brian.
Thanks for the beautiful poem and for teaching us a new word Michael! Are we all palimpsest versions of ourselves?
You are spot on Lorna - now the problem is to weave 'palimpsest' into every day language.
Incest with pals.........? My tongue can't get round it.......... only an Englishman's dulcet tones can make it sound like a word.........
Hey now you've made me think - I've tried saying it with a sort of American accent (which probably isn't very good anyway) and doesn't sound so good.
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