A Delicate Thing.
For all its great mass of layered spread
a tree is a delicate thing
as beneath the bark hides a thin sleeve
of active cells engineering
the lifti of water from rootlings to high
thirst of every twig.
Deep heartwood protected a tree may
live for decades certain
of growth and saplings fight for space
to begin starch conversion
to life-giving sugars of verdant supply.
Wide the reach skyward
as trees spread and disperse needed
oxygen from hidden stores.
After rainstorms cleanse the covering
leaves force dried in sun
enables change by photosynthesis as
open feast hosts hungry
wildlife to capitalise on sweet nectar
from pollen's seasonal sip
for diverse tree-balance in food chain
sustains much fur and feather.
Alchemy's sap make happen the poem
we call " a tree " yet seen
as given glory should we cease felling
more than we need ?
-
Author:
Fay Slimm. (
Offline) - Published: July 12th, 2018 02:47
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 102
- Users favorite of this poem: Heartwriter, Lauraš»
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Comments12
I don't think that there is anything so wonderful and so inspiring as a lone tree, its life flowing through it as it does in your words Fay.
I agree dear friend - a tree with its hidden energies is so inspiring - thanks for your read and the comment Goldi.
Ah this just gets better and better as one reads on. I am always struck by the majesty of dead trees as they appear sculptured against the skylight. Appearing as earth's antlers reaching upward to a future spiritual path.
What wisdom do these trees hold, standing as they do for decades, centuries, observing from their one place life of all kinds around them. The marvels of natural beauty, the phases and fashions of humanity. War and destruction, murder, rape and pillage.
Yes i have been known to hug a tree and lose myself in those moments.
I love your 'the poem that we call a tree' for they do sing to us, greet us, validate us. Like old friends they're there when we return to childhood haunts.
Majestic beings.
Lovely writing, thank you.
Oh my fuddle-brain is working tonight - apologies for spoiling the lovely comment and how it moved my sincere reply - so here it is again but without the mix-up - - - " What an honour to have such a perceptive reply to the piece about trees - - dear friend your words are a poem and thank you so much for your input to these majestic marvels called trees.
A fine write Fay. Will the tree singing to us sound better than me singing to people?! heehee.
Your voice and the tree-sounds would harmonize beautifully methinks dear Orchi.
Fay, even a tree will struggle to survive. We had to cut a dogwood regretfully. It was in the path of our septic system that was too be put in. We pushed it over from the root up. So it could be replanted. It at the moment is still root up and thriving. As soon as possible those greenest of leaves will flutter once again in the wind! Love this write.
Ah - blessings and best wishes for the survival of your dogwood dear friend - - your caring will help it thrive I am sure - - thank you for sharing the the problem of septic installing with a tree in the way - these things can be solved often with thought for what's needed to help nature keep her balance.
its how many more trees
the forest needs.
good one fay.
Thanks for the observation on peace found beneath the spread of a tree onepauly - - being with trees even for a short while can be a fine source of meditation.
I find the wind through the trees
takes me places I like to go.
I remember listening
to the wind through the leaves and branches. very good meditation.
peace.
its how many more trees
the forest needs.
good one fay.
My dear Fay,
Your outstanding poem has reminded me of the first poem I memorized as an English learner...āTreesā by Joyce Kilmer!
Trees are life...
Another writing thatās made a huge impression on me is a childrenās book...āThe Giving Treeā by Shel Silverstein.
Your exceptional poem will be added to my list along with Joyce Kilmerās and Shel Silverstein!
~Laura~
You honour me by putting my work alongside such well loved authors and thank you dear Laura - - yes I agree trees are life in many ways to this inhabited planet - -- what a gift is a tree and we poets can appreciate why so much tribute has been written through the ages to such living marvels.
Wonderful observational piece in you own superlative style dear Fay.l
Sincere thanks for your kindly support on my effort to bring tribute to trees Michael -- they are an awesome gift to the ultimate survival of the planet.
O FAY ! I am honoured that you have applied your poetic skills to my field of PLANT BIOSYNTHESIS ! My Poem would have been gobbledegook yours is perfect ! The more I understand about TREES the more I am in awe of them ! One set of tubes (XYLEM) brings water and nutrients in the soil ~ UP from the root system ~ and another set (PHLOEM) bring the products of PHOTOSYNTHESIS DOWN from the leaves. This forms a perfect integrated biosynthetic system to produce FOOD (and SHELTER) for MAN ~ INSECTS & ANIMALS. By PHOTOSYNTHESIS Plants convert CO2 and H2O into GLOCOSE (C6H12O6) and OXYGEN (O2). So every TREE (and plant) on the PLANET is essential to maintain the equilibrium between CO2 & Oxygen in the atmosphere. DEFORESTATION is another key factor in GLOBAL WARMING ! "Woodman spare that tree for me !" Thanks for caring & sharing. Love the POEM and the PICTURE ~ Yours BRIAN ~ Hugger of Trees !
All power to your elbow Brian as you hug lots of trees - - we curl up in awe to discover just how much the world needs these upstanding factories of equilibrium for our needy planet. Thank you Brian for your extensive and welcome comment on the verdant system of food and air production for all inhabitants of this beautiful earth. Deforestation will bring its own tragic trail of mistaken ways to make wealth from felling such vital aids.
in meadows with only one tree present looks so natural,like it was placed there for a reason
I have fallen in love with more trees over time, than I have with anything else... indeed, today with thanks to you.. I have a whole forest to look back on fondly... Neville
Thanks Nev for finding this tribute to nature's tall saviours so worthy - - - we have trees to thank for vital work - -- I hadn't read this one myself for a while and was surprised at how the words were assembled to a tree's glory........... bless ya for resurrecting, looking in, and commenting.......have yourself a super Sunday dear friend ......... x Fay
no problem, no worries, my pleasure my friend x
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