A Tree Poem

A Tree Poem

A Poem by Relic


Those mighty trees that spread their arms
were once as tall as you.
And none have felt the sweeping strokes
of what a saw could do.

Yet underneath those street-lined wings,
resplendent in strong wood
arise a row of rural homes
where once their brothers stood.

And though I'll bask in summer shade,
I'll feel a tinge of guilt.
We've lashed with hatchets many down
to yield what we have built.

"Quell those notions of demise,"
I hear an oak tree say.
"Look around at what we've done
and what you have today!"

"The forceful sounds of violins,
the sound of new guitars;
the look and feel of brand-new books,
the storage for memoirs."

Perhaps you're right, old friendly oak,
but this I strongly pray:
that all the trees upon my block
avoid the axe and stay.  

© 2024 Relic


Author's Note

Relic
The original picture disappeared. :(

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Featured Review

I used to be a chainsaw murderer however, as a woodworker, I am now only taking wood that has fallen on its own and I have also done a large amount of replanting
Please forgive me.
The trouble with wood is that it is a wonderful, reusable resource
The reality is that it is partly the trees own fault
Very nicely written piece

Posted 4 Years Ago


2 of 2 people found this review constructive.

Relic

4 Years Ago

I'm familiar with that particular aroma wood gives off when drilling or cutting into it. It does sme.. read more
Dave Brown

4 Years Ago

I certainly would not argue with that
This comment has been deleted by the poster.



Reviews

Trees by Joyce Kilmer (because she says it so much better than I can)

"I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree."
I enjoyed your tree poem. I love them. They're one of my favorite things in this world.

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Relic

1 Year Ago

I believe I read that poem many years ago. It's great.
Thank you for your comment Fabian.
Very good rhyming and a nice sentiment here. Where I live now used to be county farmland. It was suburban when I moved in, and now it's considered urban. The developers are doing their best to eradicate as much green space as they can. Though the trees that shelter them are getting sparse, the deer still are occasionally seen.

Posted 1 Year Ago


Relic

1 Year Ago

Thanks John. I used to have three houses on my street. Now it's filled from top to bottom on either .. read more
Nicely spoken! Truth and wisdom my friend. ~Sharon

Posted 1 Year Ago


Relic

1 Year Ago

Thank you, Sharon. :)
Well worth another visit. Two hundred trees in an area of beauty near my home about to be felled to make way for more homes. Yes, we need them on our over populated island, but there are brown sites where they would be better suited. Hate to see the demise of healthy trees Tim.

Chris

Posted 1 Year Ago


Relic

1 Year Ago

I sure am familiar with trees being decimated for houses. I too live on an island and I don't recogn.. read more
I've often wondered why it is they (trees) fascinate me so. Is it their roots, like our own? Is it their strength and capacity for letting go, which teaches us a lesson well learned? I truly love how you speak for them here, Tim. The street where I lived as a child was lined with mighty oaks, and I've long held the image of their stoic nature to this day. Much enjoyed, Tim.

Posted 1 Year Ago


Relic

1 Year Ago

Thank you for the comment, Kelly. :)
So being a nature lover as I am... I'm with avoiding the axe! (Sometimes It can't be helped or is just necessary due to disease and such) This is an interesting flip in theme. The" Oak tree" points out the uses of wood etc. and it's true. But still, the flip caught me. lol I've probably read too much of the "Giving Tree!" Loved the poem, Well done :)

Posted 1 Year Ago


Relic

1 Year Ago

Thank you, Susan. :)
Trees are such powerful entities to me, this poem resonates quite deeply. Lovely work!

Posted 2 Years Ago


Relic

2 Years Ago

Thank you very much, Charlie. :)
I absolutely love this one!

Posted 2 Years Ago


Relic

2 Years Ago

Thank you very much, Harmony. :)
This is simply beautiful! While sometimes it's a must to cut down a tree, it is sad when they are stripped away needlessly! The flow to this piece was awesome!

Posted 2 Years Ago


Relic

2 Years Ago

Thnks for your thoughts, Kathy. :)
KATHY SUE SILLS

2 Years Ago

My pleasure!
my compound sits amongst many great trees
sycamore pecan oak pine ... all grand centurion witnesses to man and his many needs to man and his wanton destructions
i look i see i breath in the essence of the woods everyday
it is my happy place

such an ode to the mighty majestic guardians, well done

Posted 2 Years Ago


Relic

2 Years Ago

Thank you very much, Keith. :)

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Added on March 1, 2020
Last Updated on November 9, 2024

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Relic
Relic

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I've been here since 2009. - Tim - Thanks for stopping by. more..

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