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A Tree In Question
Beside a lane of gravel,
the Oak tree branches spread.
It stood upon a little farm
waiting to be led.
What was this giant waiting for?
It really didn't know.
To its friend, the whispering wind,
it made its question known.
"Why do I stand here endlessly,
am I only to bring the shade?
There must be another reason,
that I stand and wait today?"
The wind would only whisper,
"You will one day understand.
It is not my place to tell you,
the time is not at hand."
For years, the Oak did wonder,
why it stood beside the lane.
It stood through rain and thunder
But its question still remained.
Then one day the answer came,
with the laughter of a child.
"Daddy, this tree is lonely.
I want to make it smile."
Place my swing within its branches.
We will become the best of friends!
I can sit and tell it stories,
now that I am well again."
The wind whispered to the giant Oak,
"Do you know now, why you stand?
This child so plainly needs you,
to help her understand."
For many years the swing was held
from the branches of that tree.
Each day that the child came out to play,
the tree stood, proud, as it could be.
It waited for her questions,
and heard her talks with God above.
The tree had found its purpose
In a childs love.
The best of friends for many years
This child and the tree.
I bet that you have guessed by now,
the child was really . . .
~ Me.~
"Am I just to bring the shade?"
I did enjoy your trip down memory lane. I am sorry that you were a sickly, lonely, child. I am glad that the tree swing brought you some joy and some relief. I know tree swings can be fun. That must have been interesting to be so isolated. I enjoy reading the poems you write about your childhood in Iowa.
Smilesz.
i have returned to this Tree again, lesa..and it seems as strong and inspirational as the last time i left it.
Thanxs for sharing its glory and lushness.
A great poem to read in times of loneliness or sorrow, or just to reflect on the yesterdays of one's life
;)
Take care .`!
awesome and nostalgic write...I enjoyed it...Thank you.
Always,
Amberlee
Very nicely done. Great story, good flow! I love poems about nature, but trees are definately my favorite subject.
We live on a farm also, and our daughter has claimed a tree in the yard as "hers". It's too small yet for a swing, but she loves it just the same.
I'm enjoying your writings.
kat
Mom,
This was so beautiful! I can truly identify with this piece. In place of the tree was my creek~but you know that already. LOL
Well done Mom, I loved it!
Kim
Wow!!!! another terrific poem! I am glad to see there are others besides myself that think about things like this ...if you get time read my House Nostaligia...it has similar thoughts and feelings :) ...thankyou once again, Lorraine
Lesa you spoke from the very soulful rings of that Oak! I did enjoy this so much!! :-) Thank you for recommending for my reading pleasure. You gave me deeper insight to the thought of what my own Whispering Willow must have been trying to tell me when I was a little girl. You truly made a soft calm smile come upon this womans face tonight. From my heart, Thank You Lesa Gay!
I really enjoyed this poem. You really painted an incredible picture and presented a new way of thinking. :o) I love it when poems present ideas that are often overlooked. The poem also flows really well with the stress pattern and the rhyme. :o) Did you do the stress pattern intentionally...or was it just the natural poet coming out of you to create a naturally beautiful poem? :o) Well...either way...incredible job!
P.S. I understand how you feel about the tree... I had a tree that played a big role in my life when I was younger. :o)
I really enjoyed this poem. You really painted an incredible picture and presented a new way of thinking. :o) I love it when poems present ideas that are often overlooked. The poem also flows really well with the stress pattern and the rhyme. :o) Did you do the stress pattern intentionally...or was it just the natural poet coming out of you to create a naturally beautiful poem? :o) Well...either way...incredible job!
P.S. I understand how you feel about the tree... I had a tree that played a big role in my life when I was younger. :o)
lesa,
This is such a lovely poem and wonderful story from your youth! You really know how to put the reader right into your mind and it's emotion! I also grew up on a small farm, being raised by my grandparents from the age of 6-15...
I had two trees that were my friends! You can read about them in my poem "Pictures under glass"... you can also catch a real high point of my childhood in my poem "Painted horses"...
I hope you will stop bye and read them, I just know you will like them.
(I really do love your poetry, it's awsome!!)
Peace and love ~~~~ Dougie ~~~
Lesa...there are two unposted poems of mine, which i think u will definitely like.
1. And So He Sat
2. Sweetheart Tree
They both portray the loveliness and gentleness of the tree, as seen to the innocence of life.
Smilesz.
Thanxs for sharing that glimpse of your childhood. am sure u had hours of fun with this stately friend.
;)
I too, believe that trees are more than just plants, that they have an essence that we can relate to and appreciate. You did an enjoyable job of seeing life through the soull of the oak tree, and showing how it meant the world to a little girl. A friend who was always there, without question and without fail.
Ken
My Secret River
This poem, though personal to you holds much to be symbolic. Well written and solid in its message. Thanks for sharing it.